Expel parasites (qu chong)

Herbs that expel parasites are used to treat internal and external parasites including roundworms, tapeworms, pinworms and hookworms. It is important to match the correct herb to the appropriate parasite and purgative herbs are often added to increase the efficacy. Therefore the relative strength of the patient should also be considered.

Common examples include shi jun zi (Rangoon creeper, Quisqualis indica), ku lian pi (Chinaberry-tree Melia toosandan seu azedarach) and bing lang (betel nut, Areca catechu).