Chinese Gentian Root|Rough Gentian Root

Primarily produced in the areas of northeast China.

Irregular lumps, 1~3cm long, diameter 0.3~1cm; externally dark grayish-brown or dark brown, upper portion has stem scars or remnants of stem base, surroundings and lower portion have numerous thin and long roots. Root is cylindrical and slightly twisted, 10~20cm long, 0.2~0.5cm diameter; externally pale yellow or yellowish-brown, upper portion has obvious horizontal wrinkles, bottom is relatively thin, with longitudinal wrinkles and rootlet scars. Brittle texture, easily broken, fractured surface is slightly flat, cortex is yellowish-white or pale yellowish-brown, xylem is relatively pale with a spotted ring-like arrangement. faint odor, very bitter taste.

Superior medicinal material is thick, long, yellow or yellowish-brown.

Bitter; cold.

Clears heat, dried dampness, drains the liver, calms fright. Apply to jaundice due to damp-heat, stranguria, genital itching, hydrothermal leucorrhea, head swelling and pain induced by liver and gall bladder fire, conjunctival congestion and swelling pain, deaf and swelling, hypochondriac pain and bitter taste, convulsion due to heat.