☯ TCM Properties
Calms the Shen and soothes the nerves; Clears Heat, resolves toxicity, cools the Blood and subdues hyperactivity of Liver Yang and lowers blood pressure
Traditional Chinese Uses
Chang Chun Hua is the Madagascar periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus. Bitter and cool, entering the Liver and Kidney channels, it clears Heat and resolves toxicity, cools the Blood, and subdues hyperactive Liver Yang. In folk and modern Chinese practice it is used to settle the Shen and calm the nerves, and especially to pacify rising Liver Yang presenting as dizziness, headache and hypertension; it is also applied to Heat-toxin sores and, notably, to diabetes ("wasting-thirst") and to leukemia and other malignancies.
The plant is the botanical source of the anticancer alkaloids vinblastine and vincristine and is considered toxic. Adverse effects include bone-marrow suppression, hair loss, abdominal pain, nausea and peripheral numbness; it is contraindicated where marrow function is already deficient and should only be used under qualified supervision, not as a home remedy.
Botanical Description
Chang Chun Hua is the Madagascar periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don (Apocynaceae), a perennial herb or subshrub 30-100 cm tall, originally native to Madagascar and widely naturalized throughout tropical and subtropical Asia, including southern China. Stems are erect, slightly woody at the base, exuding white latex when broken. The opposite, oblong-obovate leaves are glossy dark green, 3-9 cm long, with a short petiole and prominent midrib. Solitary or paired axillary flowers display a salverform corolla 3-4 cm across with five pink, rose-purple, or white petals around a darker eye. Slender paired follicles 2-4 cm long contain numerous small black seeds. The plant accumulates over 70 indole alkaloids, including vinblastine and vincristine, which became cornerstone anticancer drugs in modern oncology. The whole plant is highly toxic if ingested.
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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