Gui Zhen Cao
Unknown
☯ TCM Properties
Reduces inflammation, clears Heat, removes toxicity and promotes urination (clears Heat and Dampness from the Intestines); Invigorates the Blood, dissipates Blood Stasis, reduces swelling, drains pus and generates flesh; Expels Wind-Heat; Disperses Stasis, eases pain and treats incised wounds
Botanical Description
Gui Zhen Cao refers to Bidens pilosa (and the closely related B. bipinnata) in the family Asteraceae, an erect annual herb reaching 30 to 150 centimetres in height. The slender, four-angled stems bear opposite, pinnately compound or trifoliate leaves with toothed, lance-shaped leaflets. Small composite flower heads carry yellow disc florets and, in some varieties, a few white ray florets. The most distinctive feature is the fruit: narrow, blackish, four-angled achenes tipped with two to four stiff, barbed awns that cling tenaciously to clothing and animal fur, accounting for the common name beggar's-tick. The species is a cosmopolitan weed of disturbed ground throughout warm temperate and tropical regions, including much of southern China.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
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.