Shan Ci Gu – Cremastra – Pseudobulbus Cremastre

Shan Ci Gu

English Name: cremastra, Chinese tulip

Literal Name: “benevolent aunt of the mountains”

Pharmaceutical Name: Pseudobulbus Cremastrae

Medica Category: Heat-Clearing and Toxin-Eliminating Herbs

Properties: Shan Ci Gu enters the Liver and Stomach channels; it is acrid in nature and cold in temperature.

What is Shan Ci Gu?:

The Chinese Herb Shan Ci Gu is the dried bulb of cremastra (a species of orchid also known as Chinese tulip (Cremastra variabilis (BL))). Cremastra is native to Guizhou and Sichuan provinces of China but is cultivated through wider ranges of China and East Asia. The bulbs (which resemble bulbs of garlic) are harvested in the Spring, cleaned, and sun-dried in preparation for their use as medicine.

Shan Ci Gu is considered slightly toxic (see safety note below).

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Shan Ci Gu:

Shan Ci Gu eliminates heat-toxins and dissipates nodules; internally, it can be used to reduce/dissolve tumors of the breast, cervix and uterus in women (as well as those of the lung, stomach and skin). Topically Shan Ci Gu is used to treat ulcers, sores, and other toxic swellings either on or just below the surface of the skin.

**safety note: Shan Ci Gu is slightly toxic and should be used in consult with a trained health care practitioner (i.e. in small amounts, in formula, and under supervision). Overdose may result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and pain throughout the body.