Re: Chanca Piedra/Chinese Bitters/Gold Coin Grass survey

Chanca Piedra is limited for liver-flushing as it is a kidney stone dissolving herb. There are claims that it works for the liver but these are not universal.

Chinese Bitters are to decongest the liver they relax the smooth muscle of the digestive system and increase bile flow; as do most 'bitter' herbs. Good coffee can have a similar therapeutic effect.

Gold Coin Grass (Jin Qian Cao)is a personal favourite for reducing the symptoms of a congested biliary system and loosening the adhesions between and around the stones, this is commonly called 'stone shrinking'. I have used it myself and had a productive liver-flushed immediately afterwards.

There are other herbs to treat inflammation of the biliary system, liver infections, etc. Its important to match the herb to the condition but overall Gold Coin Grass has a very good reputation but the recommended doses are on the safe side. For a 150 lb individual I would take 60 grams a day. This is a large amount and the concentrated powder is more manageable that other preparations. There are 5:1 so 12 grams or level 2 tablespoons per day for 2 to three weeks is ideal.

In addition to stone shrinking herbs there are stone expulsion concoctions. Strong concoctions for large stones and more commercial milder mixes for smaller ones. These are known as lithogogues but there success is not consistent.