Jin Qian Cao
StarLysimachia christinae Hance
☯ TCM Properties
Clears Damp-Heat and Resolves Jaundice; Promotes Urination and Relieves Stranguria; Expels Urinary Stones; Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity; Reduces swelling
Traditional Chinese Uses
Jin Qian Cao (gold coin grass, lysimachia) is a cold herb with a strong affinity for the Liver and Gallbladder, where it clears Damp-Heat and promotes the expulsion of stones. It is widely used for gallstones and kidney stones, as well as the jaundice and urinary pain associated with stone-related Damp-Heat obstruction. Its drainage of Damp and Heat also extends to treating painful, difficult urination and damp-type skin conditions.
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Lysimachia christinae is a creeping perennial herb in the Primulaceae family, native to central and southern China and parts of Vietnam. The slender, often reddish stems trail along the ground and root at the nodes, reaching 20-60 cm in length. The opposite leaves are broadly ovate to nearly orbicular, 1.5-4 cm across, with entire margins, short petioles, and conspicuous translucent dotted glands when held to the light. Solitary yellow flowers are borne in the leaf axils on slender pedicels in late spring and summer; they are five-lobed, funnel-shaped, and about 1-1.5 cm across. The fruit is a small dehiscent capsule containing many seeds. In TCM, the whole flowering plant (Jin Qian Cao) is harvested in summer and used as a sweet, salty, slightly cold herb to clear damp-heat, promote urination, and dissolve stones, particularly urinary and gallbladder stones.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-15g | 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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