s="Section1">Alternative Chinese Name: 七叶胆 qī yè dǎn.

Jiǎo gǔ lán is used to treat spleen-stomach qì vacuity with signs such as fatigue, lack of strength, and reduced eating. It also engenders liquid and allays thirst, so it is suitable when damage to spleen-stomach qì and yīn causes dry throat and heart vexation. Here, it may be combined with medicinals such as shā shēn (Adenophorae seu Glehniae Radix) and shān yào (Dioscoreae Rhizoma).

Transforms phlegm and relieves cough: Lung vacuity cough.

In addition to transforming phlegm and relieving cough, jiǎo gǔ lán boosts lung qì and clears lung heat. It is often used for dual vacuity of qì and yīn with dryness-heat in the lung, accompanied by cough and sticky phlegm. For this purpose, combine with chuān bèi mǔ (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus) and bǎi hé (Lilii Bulbus).

Lung qì vacuity with exuberant phlegm-damp, manifesting in cough with profuse phlegm: Combine with bàn xià (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and chén pí (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium).

Clears heat and resolves toxin: Heat toxin.

Jiǎo gǔ lán may be used for a variety of conditions that are caused by heat toxin, including sores, armpit odor, and tumors.

Dosage and Method of Use

10–30 g in decoctions. It may also be infused as a tea or swallowed as a powder. If taken as a powder, each dose should be 3–6 g. Jiǎo gǔ lán was traditionally used relatively infrequently in Chinese medicine, and was seldom ascribed supplementing properties. However, the discovery of chemicals similar to ginsenosides (the active constituents in ginseng) within the plant has given rise to a new range of use and popularity. It remains relatively uncommon in clinical Chinese medicine, but it is an increasingly common supplement in both Eastern and Western nations.

Warning: A small number of patients experience side effects after taking jiǎo gǔ lán. Reactions include nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, diarrhea or constipation, dizziness, flowery vision, and tinnitus.

Source: Concise Chinese Materia Medica, Brand and Wiseman, Paradigm Publications, 2008.

Jiao Gu Lan is quickly becoming a famous herb, and is sometimes marketed as "Southern Blue Ginseng" to highlight its pharmacological effects.  It is a fascinating herb because its modern use is very different than its historic use, and we are learning more and more about it all the time.  Jiao Gu Lan is found in the Blue Poppy product "Clear Vessel"; its use here is based on its pharmacological actions, and it is also included in People's Herbs' "Five Ginsengs Formula."