Lu Lu Tong
Liquidambar formosana Hance
โฏ TCM Properties
Dispels Wind-Dampness and Unblocks the Collaterals; Promotes Urination; Regulates menstruation and promotes lactation; Drains Dampness; Invigorates Blood and Moves Qi; Relieves Itching
Botanical Description
Liquidambar formosana, the Chinese sweetgum or Formosan gum, is a large deciduous tree in the Altingiaceae growing 25-40 m tall with a straight grey-brown trunk and a tall conical to rounded crown. The alternate leaves are long-petiolate and palmately three-lobed (rarely five-lobed) with finely serrate margins, 8-15 cm across; they emit a sweet balsamic odour when crushed and turn yellow to rich red in autumn. The tree is monoecious; tiny apetalous male flowers are borne in erect terminal racemes and female flowers in pendulous solitary spherical heads. Each female head matures into a spiky woody aggregate of capsules about 2-3 cm in diameter, with persistent hardened styles forming a bristly surface, hanging from a long peduncle. The dried mature aggregate "burrs" collected in winter are the medicinal Lu Lu Tong.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Lu Lu Tong (sweetgum fruit, liquidambar fruit) is a neutral, bitter herb used in Chinese medicine to promote the free flow of Qi and Blood through the twelve channels and collaterals, expel Wind and Damp, and promote urination. It is used for Wind-Damp bi syndrome with joint pain and stiffness, menstrual irregularities and dysmenorrhea from Blood stagnation, and edema from fluid retention. Its range of action across channels and multiple organ systems makes it a broad-purpose Qi and Blood-opening herb.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.