Lamb's Quarters
Aliases: Golden Lock of Heaven (《雷公炮炙论》 *Léi Gōng Páo Zhì Lùn*), Ash Pigweed, Water Dropped Pigweed (《救荒本草》 *Jiù Huāng Běn Cǎo*), Ash Strip (《野菜谱》 *Yě Cài Pǔ*), Ash Washing Vegetable (《纲目》 *Gāng Mù*), Ash Pod, Ash Amaranth (《医林纂要》 *Yī Lín Zuǎn Yào*), Ash Amaranth Vegetable (《草木便方》 *Cǎo Mù Biàn Fāng*), Ashy Vegetable (《四川中药志》 *Sì Chuān Zhōng Yào Zhì*).
Nature and Flavor: Sweet and bitter in taste, cool in nature.
Part Used: The whole plant of *Chenopodium serotinum*, a species within the Amaranthaceae (formerly Chenopodiaceae) family, often referred to as a small variety of Lamb's Quarters.
Usage and Dosage of Lamb's Quarters
Internal Use: Typically prepared as a decoction. The general dosage ranges from 30 to 60 grams (1 to 2 *liǎng*) per serving. As with all herbal remedies, it's essential to follow recommended dosages and consult a qualified practitioner to ensure safe and effective use, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
External Use: It can be used as a wash, prepared by decocting the herb in water, or applied topically as a poultice (pounded fresh herb).
Effects and Indications of Lamb's Quarters
Effects: Clears dampness and detoxifies the body, addressing internal imbalances that can lead to various symptoms. Modern research has also explored the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of *Chenopodium album*, which aligns with its traditional uses for detoxification and reducing inflammation (PMID: 28549506).
Main Indications: Primarily used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat skin infections such as sores, carbuncles, and various swollen, toxic lesions. It's also effective for skin conditions like scabies, tinea, and itchy rashes often attributed to "wind-dampness" in TCM. Its detoxifying properties are particularly valued for clearing pathogenic heat and promoting skin health (PMID: 30122047).
Formulas/Combinations for Lamb's Quarters
Treating Dermatological Purpura (*Zidianfeng*): From *Sheng Ji Zong Lu* (《圣济总录》 - Compendium of Holy Benevolence), a formula known as "Lamb's Quarters Topical Ointment" is recorded:
Take an unspecified amount of Lamb's Quarters, burn it to ash, then filter the ash through paper and leach it to extract the juice. Concentrate this liquid by refining until it forms a paste, approximately two spoon-measures. Combine this with one *qián* (approx. 3-4 grams) each of Realgar (*Xióng Huáng*), Cinnabar (*Dān Shā*), Calomel (*Nì Fěn*), Musk (*Shè Xiāng*), Toad Ash (*Há Má Huī*), Sulfur (*Shí Liú Huáng*), and Alum Ash (*Fán Shí Huī*).
Grind the latter seven ingredients into a fine powder. Thoroughly mix this powder with the refined Lamb's Quarters paste. Pound and decoct the mixture until it forms a cohesive ointment. Apply this ointment topically to the affected area; reapply as it dries. If the ointment hardens, moisten it with vinegar to maintain its consistency.
Related Discussions on Lamb's Quarters
1. From *Běn Cǎo Shí Yí* (《本草拾遗》 - Supplements to the Materia Medica): "Primarily treats malignant sores, bites from insects, silkworms, spiders, etc., by crushing and mixing with oil for topical application. It can also be cooked and eaten, or used as a bath decoction to alleviate scabies and itchy rashes caused by wind. When burned to ash, it can be held in the mouth or placed into tooth cavities to kill 'tooth ni' (dental decay) and resolve canker sores. Taking the ash, leaching its juice three or four times, can erode polyps, remove vitiligo (*bái diàn fēng*), black spots, facial blemishes, and flesh sores. The seeds, when cooked as rice, are fragrant and smooth, and can eliminate 'three worms' (parasites)."
2. From *Yī Lín Zuǎn Yào* (《医林纂要》 - Essentials of the Forest of Physicians): "Clears damp-heat, which is a common pathological condition in TCM often linked to inflammation and various discomforts."
3. From *Sì Chuān Zhōng Yào Zhì* (《四川中药志》 - Sichuan Materia Medica): "Capable of clearing heat and reducing fever, making it beneficial for febrile conditions." Ethnomedicinal reviews highlight its diverse traditional uses, affirming its role in managing various health concerns (PMID: 32669460).
References
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of *Chenopodium album* L. PMID: 28549506
Ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities of *Chenopodium album*: A review. PMID: 30122047
A Comprehensive Review on Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicity of *Chenopodium album* L. PMID: 32669460
Quick Self-Check & Relief
If you're experiencing persistent itchy skin, unexplained rashes, or minor skin irritations and suspect a damp-heat imbalance, then Lamb's Quarters might offer a gentle approach. Immediately consider if your diet contributes to dampness (e.g., excessive dairy, greasy foods) and try incorporating light, cooling foods. For temporary relief, a warm bath infused with a cooled decoction of Lamb's Quarters could soothe the skin while you consult with a healthcare professional.
For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.
