E Bu Shi Cao (鹅不食草) — Small Centipeda
E Bu Shi Cao is a warming acrid Chinese herb that dispels Wind-Cold and opens the nasal passages. It is a specific for allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis with clear or white discharge.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Dosage
- Cautions and incompatibilities
- Key formulas
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
E Bu Shi Cao (鹅不食草) — Small Centipeda (Centipeda minima) — is a Chinese herb in the Release the Exterior (open nose) category. I prescribe it as part of bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | E Bu Shi Cao |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 鹅不食草 |
| Latin name | Centipeda minima |
| English name | Small Centipeda |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid |
| Channels entered | Lung |
| Category | Release the Exterior (open nose) |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Expels Wind-Cold and opens the nose
- Transforms Phlegm and stops cough
- Reduces swelling
Indications
- Allergic rhinitis with clear runny nose
- Chronic sinusitis with clear-white discharge
- Nasal polyps (traditional)
- Cough with white phlegm
4. Dosage
3–9g; often powdered for insufflation
5. Cautions and incompatibilities
- Reduce dose in Yin-deficient dryness
- Not for hot-type sinusitis
6. Key formulas
E Bu Shi Cao is used in a range of bespoke prescriptions rather than a fixed classical formula in modern practice. Consult a qualified TCM herbalist for individual prescription.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe E Bu Shi Cao where its indications and TCM pattern match the patient’s presentation, always as part of a tailored formula. Return to the Chinese herbs directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
