Ai Di Cha
StarArdisia japonica (Thunb.) Blume
☯ TCM Properties
Resolves Phlegm and Stops Cough; Calms Wheezing; Clears Damp-Heat; Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis; Unblocks the Channels and Alleviates Pain
Traditional Chinese Uses
Ai Di Cha (Japanese ardisia herb) is a folk herb from southern China used primarily to relieve cough and clear phlegm, with particular recognition in the treatment of chronic bronchitis. It also drains Damp-Heat from the body — addressing jaundice, urinary difficulty, and edema — and promotes Blood circulation to relieve pain from injuries and menstrual irregularities. Its combination of Phlegm-clearing and Blood-moving actions makes it useful for complex patterns where both Phlegm and stagnation are present.
Botanical Description
Ardisia japonica, marlberry or Japanese ardisia, is a low, evergreen, rhizomatous subshrub of the family Primulaceae (formerly Myrsinaceae) native to shady, humus-rich forest floors in China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. It typically reaches only 15-30 cm in height, spreading by slender, creeping underground stems to form loose colonies. The slender, woody, glabrous aerial stems bear several leaves crowded toward the apex, each elliptic to obovate, 4-7 cm long, leathery, dark glossy green above with finely serrate margins. Small, nodding, five-lobed, pink to white, bell- to wheel-shaped flowers 4-6 mm across are borne in few-flowered axillary or sub-terminal cymes in early summer, followed by spherical, bright red, persistent berries 5-7 mm across that often remain on the plant through winter. The whole plant with root is collected in summer or autumn.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
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.
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