Puncture Vine (Tribulus terrestris): Bai Ji Li / Ci Ji Li
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Known for its athletic performance enhancing capabilities, this herb may also show promise in some other areas of practice.
From a TCM perspective, Bai Ji Li is warming, pungent, and bitter, it calms floating Liver Yang, clears Wind-Heat (particularly from the eyes), courses Liver Qi, and itching (specific for desquamation of palms and soles).
With its possible androgen enhancing functions, it is important for any clients with prostate issues to be monitored very closely. It also has shown blood sugar lowering effects so clients on diabetic or blood glucose lowering drugs should be careful. Animal research also has shown that it might adversely affect fetal development, avoid using (especially long term). One last thing, theoretically, due to its androgen & Luteinizing hormone increasing action it would be advised to not use in women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
On the other hand, men with low testosterone levels may benefit from the use of Tribulus. If low sperm counts may be due to stress (Qi stagnation) and low testosterone levels, consider adding Bai Ji Li to your formulas. Also, its action of raising LH levels may be beneficial in helping women ovulate (although I am unsure of how fast its reaction/bioavailability is).
Just some things to consider about Bai Ji Li (tribulus).
Any other comments or experiences?
fwd msg about Puncture Vine
This plant grows out in the New mexican desert. I've punctured my feet
on it countless times. We called it goat head weed for obvious reasons. It
has a relative here in Florida but it's sticker is soft, (too damp?).
Keith Latham, L.Ac., Dipl. C.H.
something interesting
Not really TCM related but Bai Ji Li (I believe also known as Ci Ji Li) has the common name of Puncture Vine. This is because the vine is so sharp and grows commonly close to roads. People with thinner tires (like those on road bikes) would puncture their tires, hence "Puncture Vine"
Just some useless info (if my memory serves me correct)
Ryan