Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Celosiae

Botanical Name: 1. Celosia argentea L.; 2. Celosia cristata L.

Common Name: Celosia seed

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The seeds are gathered in autumn when ripe and dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Bitter and slightly cold

Meridian: Liver

Functions: 1. To clear heat in the liver; 2. To brighten the eyes and reduce corneal opacity

Indications & Combinations: Flaring up of liver fire manifested as red, painful and swollen eyes, blurred vision and corneal opacity. Celosia seed (Qingxiangzi) is used with Cassia seed (Juemingzi), Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua) and Plantain seed (Cheqianzi).

Dosage: 3-15 g

b) Herbs That Clear Heat and Dry Dampness

Herbs which clear heat and dry dampness are characterized as bitter and cold. They are indicated in damp-heat disorders manifested as fever, sticky tongue coating, scanty urine, jaundice, dysentery and diarrhea, furuncles, eczema, abnormal vaginal discharge and turbid urine. The herbs in this category are likely to weaken the stomach and consume yin. They should be used with caution in cases with weakness of the spleen and stomach, or deficient body fluids. If necessary, the herbs can be combined with herbs that nourish yin.