Also known as ledebouriella, siler is a long, cone-shaped plant that reaches a height of 6 to 12 inches, and appears thicker as it enters the ground. The external surface of the plant is gray and wrinklish, and is often dotted with raised scars. The plant's bark is brownish and cracked, with an interior wood that is yellowish in color. The root is cut into small pieces, dried, and used in herbal preparations
In traditional Chinese medicine, siler is considered to have pungent, sweet-warm properties, and works on the Liver and Spleen meridians. It is used to dispel pathogenic wind, resolve dampness and arrest convulsions, and is especially effective in treating "wind moist" disorders. In terms of Western medicine, siler root can be used to treat cold-related headaches and body aches, diarrhea, chills and tremors. It has also been employed as a remedy for tetanus, lockjaw and general convulsions.
The typical dosage of siler is between 3 and 9 grams, depending on the condition being treated. Make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider as to the proper dosage.
Siler root is usually sold as a powder, either alone or in a capsule form. It is sometimes used as part of a formula in conjunction with herbs such as ligusticum and angelica. Dried pieces of siler root are available at some Asian markets and specialty stores.
What can happen if I take too much siler root? Are there any interactions I should be aware of? What precautions should I take?
The American Herbal Products Association has given siler a class 1 rating, meaning that it can be consumed safely when used appropriately. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with siler root. However, it should not be taken when yin deficiency heat patterns are present. As always, make sure to consult with a qualified health care provider before taking siler root or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
References
Governor Gavin Newsom has retracted the proposed budget cuts to the Medi-Cal acupuncture program for low-income Californians for the 2024-2025 budget year. This decision marks a significant victory for health care providers and advocates who have long championed acupuncture as a vital component of comprehensive medical care.
There’s no doubt that many of your patients visit your practice because they are in pain. And there’s certainly no doubt that curcumin from turmeric (Curcuma longa) can be incredibly effective in stopping that pain, whether due to chronic conditions like arthritis or acute pain from intensive workouts. But your patients may also benefit from curcumin for other reasons.
| Digital Exclusive
Fair and appropriate wages in health care are typically based on economic evaluations. A simple literature review illuminates that acupuncture is missing economic evaluations; which implies you are either underpaid or overpaid. The complexity of services provided by most American acupuncturists, which they are trained and certified to provide, must be reimbursed fairly.
