Jian Dao Cao
StarClinopodium gracile (Benth.) Matsum.
Synonyms: Calamintha gracilis Benth., Satureja gracilis (Benth.) Kuntze
☯ TCM Properties
Removes Wind, reduces Heat, promotes the circulation of Qi, invigorates the Blood and resolves swelling
Traditional Chinese Uses
Jian Dao Cao (剪刀草) here refers to the whole herb of Clinopodium gracile (Lamiaceae), Herba Clinopodii Gracilis, a widely used Chinese folk medicine and not the Bidens species sometimes given the same common name. Bitter and pungent with a neutral nature, it dispels Wind and clears Heat while moving Qi and invigorating the Blood to reduce swelling.
In folk practice it is valued for hemorrhagic disorders and is applied to colds and fevers, sore and swollen throat, mumps, and to traumatic injury, bruising, sores and abscesses where its blood-moving and swelling-resolving actions disperse stasis. It is used internally as a decoction and externally as a poultice for local swelling and bleeding. Its constituents include triterpenoid saponins associated with anti-inflammatory activity.
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Jian Dao Cao (剪刀草), source of Herba Clinopodii Gracilis, is the dried whole plant of Clinopodium gracile (Benth.) Matsum. (Lamiaceae), a slender annual to short-lived perennial of moist banks, roadsides, and shaded grassy slopes across southern China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. The delicate, creeping-to-ascending square stems reach 15-40 cm and bear small opposite ovate, shallowly toothed leaves. Tiny two-lipped whitish to pale purple flowers sit in loose axillary and terminal whorls. Aromatic, acrid and bitter, and cool to slightly warm, entering the Liver channel, in folk Chinese medicine it dispels wind and clears heat, promotes qi circulation, invigorates blood, and resolves toxicity and swelling, used for colds, sore throat, urticaria, abscesses, erysipelas, and insect and snake bites.
Moist shaded banks, damp roadsides, streamsides, and grassy slopes at low to middle elevations.
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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