What is anemarrhena? What is it used for?
		
      
Anemarrhena is a small, ornamental plant native to northern 
        China. A member of the lily family, anemarrhena is a decorative plant, 
        with grasslike leaves and branches and fragrant-smelling flowers that 
        open at night. 
The root, or rhizome, is used medicinally, and is often 
        dried for use in decoctions.
      Anemarrhena has been used as a staple of traditional Chinese 
        medicine for centuries; its first recorded use dates back to 200 BC. Internally, 
        it is used for a variety of disorders, including congestive fever, high 
        fever, chronic bronchitis, excessive sweating, dry throat, cough, dizziness, 
        lumbago and pneumonia. Externally, it is used as part of a mouth wash 
        to treat oral ulcers. Extracts of the plant contain compounds called saponins 
         one of which, asphonin, can be used to effectively treat lower 
        back pain.
      In traditional Chinese medicine, anemarrhena purges heat, 
        nurtures yin and relaxes tension. It is sometimes mixed with other herbs, 
        such as phellodendron, scrophularia and Chinese foxglove.
      How much anemarrhena should I take?
      A typical dose of anemarrhena is between 6-12 grams of dried 
        rhizome used in water as a decoction. Make sure to check with a qualified 
        Chinese medicine practitioner for information on the appropriate dosages 
        and any possible drug interactions.
      What forms of anemarrhena are available?
      Dried anemarrhena rhizomes can be found at some Asian markets 
        and specialty stores. Some herbal vendors also sell powdered rhizome or 
        anemarrhena extracts. Extracts are usually combined with other substances 
        as part of an herbal formula. 
      
What can happen if I don't get enough anemarrhena? 
        What can happen if I take too much? Are there any side-effects I should 
        be aware of? 
      
Anemarrhena should not be used by patients that have diarrhea 
        or, in traditional Chinese medicine, spleen deficiency. Large doses are 
        reported to be toxic and may inhibit heart action. Excess amounts may 
        cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. Make sure to check with a qualified 
        Chinese medicine practitioner before taking anemarrhena or any other herbal 
        remedy.
      
References
      
        - Beyerl P. The Master Book of Herbalism. Custer, 
          WA: Phoenix Publishing Co., 1996.
        
 - Dong JX, Han GY. Studies on the active constituents 
          of anemarrhena asphodeloides bunge. Yao Xue Xue Bao 1992;27(1):26-32. 
          Chinese.
        
 - Hallowell M. Herbal Healing. Garden City Park, 
          NY: Avery Publishing Group, 1994.
        
 - Meng ZY, Zhang JY, Xu SX, Sugahara K. Steroidal saponins 
          from anemarrhena asphodeloides and their effects on superoxide generation. 
            Planta Med 1999 Oct;65(7):661-3.
        
 - Ray DP, Ambrosino S. The Incredible Healing Power 
          of Herbs. Lantana, FL: Micro Mags, 1996.