Nepenthes, also known as pitcher plant, is a herb of the Solanaceae family. It has the effects of clearing heat, diuresis, detoxification, and reducing swelling. Nepenthes is mainly used to treat lung heat cough, sore throat, gum swelling and pain, damp-heat jaundice, dysentery, edema, hot urinary problems, pemphigus, and furuncles.
Clearing heat and detoxification
Nepenthes, with its bitter taste and slight coldness, belongs to the lung meridian. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxification, and is used for symptoms such as fever in scrofula, pemphigus, and furuncles. It can also be used externally in appropriate amounts.
Diuresis and dampness elimination
Nepenthes can also promote diuresis and dampness elimination. It has auxiliary therapeutic effects on damp-heat jaundice, edema, and hot urinary problems.
Pain relief and swelling reduction
Nepenthes has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. It can be used to treat conditions such as eye inflammation, sore throat, and cough. It can also be applied externally to treat poisonous sores and fumigate and wash swollen scrotum.
Relieving bloating
Nepenthes is described in the book "Lu Chuan Ben Cao" as promoting qi circulation, relieving bloating, and promoting diuresis. It is used to treat abdominal distension, orchitis, and hernia.
