Pharmaceutical Name

Herba spirodelae

Botanical Name

Spirodela polyrrhiza (L.) Schield.

Common Name

Spirodela, Duckweed

Source of Earliest Record

Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations

The whole plant is gathered in summer, cleaned and dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste

Pungent and cold

Meridians

Lung and urinary bladder

Functions

1. To promote sweating and release the exterior: 2. To bring measles rash to the surface and relieve itching: 3. To remove water and reduce swelling

Indications & Combinations

1. Wind-heat type of exterior syndrome. Spirodela (Fuping) is used with Schizonepeta (Jingjie), Mentha (Bohe) and Forsythia fruit (Lianqiao). 2. Measles without full expression of rash. Spirodela (Fuping) is used with Mentha (Bohe), Arctium fruit (Niubangzi) and Cicada slough (Chantui). 3. Wind-heat type of incomplete rashes and itching of the skin. Spirodela (Fuping) is used with Mentha (Bohe) and Arctium fruit (Niubangzi). 4. Edema and difficult urination accompanied by exterior syndrome. Spirodela (Fuping) can be mashed and taken alone.

Dosage

3-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications

This herb is contraindicated in cases with weak constitution and spontaneous sweating.