WH Acupuncture & Herbs Centre

Luobuma is the leaf or root of Apocynum venetum L. pertaining to Apocynaceae. The leaf is collected in summer before the blosom. After that it is sun dried, dried in the shadow, or steamed and stir-baked, and then rubbed. Also the whole plant can be collected summer. After the impurities are removed, it is dried, and then cut into segment.

[ Medicinal Properties ]: Sweet, bitter and cold. Slightly toxic; relate to liver meridian.

[ Medicinal Efficacies ]: Pacify liver, subdue yang; clear heat; and promote urination.

[ Clinical Applications ]: 1. Dizziness and dizzy vision       Luobuma treats hyperactivity of liver yang and upstirring of liver fire, manifesting as dizziness, dizzy vision, irritation and insomnia. For dizziness and dizzy vision due to hyperactivity of liver yang, it is used in combination with Muli, Shijueming and Daizheshi. In case of dizziness and dizzy vision due to upstirring of liver fire, it is in combination with Gouteng, Xiakucao and Yejuhua.

2. Edema and dysuria      It is very good at clearing heat and promoting urination.  By itself or in combination with Cheqianzi, Mutong, Zhuling and Zexie, it treats edema and dysuria with heat.

[ Usage and Dosage ]: When it is decocted or infused with boiling water, the dosage is 3-15g. For dizziness due to liver yang, the leaf is used. For edema, the root is used.

[ Precautions ]: Avoid over dosage or long time application, otherwise intoxicated.

 罗布麻为夹竹桃科植物罗布麻Apoeynum venetum L.的干燥叶。主产于我国东北、西北、华北等地。现江苏、山东、安徽、河北等地有大量种植。夏季采收，晒干或阴干，亦有蒸炒揉制后用者；除去杂质，干燥，切段用。