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Photo of Paris Rhizome

Paris Rhizome

重楼 · Chóng Lóu

Practitioner herb for swellings and snake bites

Properties

CoolingCooling botanicalBitter

What it does

Paris rhizome treats severe surface infections, snake and insect bites, and the throat-blocking inflammation of scrofula. In TCM, it clears heat-toxin, cools liver heat that drives childhood seizures, and disperses hard tissue swellings. Modern Chinese hospitals include it in cancer-adjunct formulas, with paris saponins studied for anti-tumor effects.

How to take it

Topical

Topically, grind 3–9g into paste with vinegar and apply to swellings or bites. Internally (under practitioner direction), 3–9g decocted in formulas. Common in Yunnan Baiyao.

Avoid self-use for internal preparations. Topical paste is safer

Safety

  • Slightly toxic. Use only practitioner-prescribed doses
  • Skip during pregnancy
  • Stop if you develop nausea, vomiting, or palpitations
  • Wild plant is endangered. Source ethically
  • Talk to your doctor before starting, especially if you take medication

Where it comes from

Paris polyphylla (Chong Lou) grows in mountain forests across the Himalayas, China, and Vietnam. The seven-leafed plant produces a single distinctive flower at the top of its stem. The Chinese name Chóng Lóu means 'tower of layers,' a reference to the stacked leaf whorls. In TCM, it's been used for snake bites and infections for centuries. Modern Chinese pharmacopoeia formulates it into Yunnan Baiyao and several cancer-adjunct formulas.