☯ TCM Properties
Eliminates pathogenic Wind, clears fever, relieves spasms and promotes urination; Warms the Middle Jiao, circulates Qi and stops pain; Tonifies Qi, invigorates the mind and tonifies the Kidneys
Traditional Chinese Uses
Lu Bian Qing is anchored to Geum aleppicum (Rosaceae), better known in Chinese materia medica as Lan Bu Zheng (蓝布正); the whole herb and root are used (Herba et Radix Gei). Pungent and warm, it has a broad folk-medicine profile: it dispels pathogenic Wind, clears fever and relieves spasms, and promotes urination, so it has been used for colds and influenza with fever and for convulsions.
It also warms the Middle Jiao and moves Qi to stop pain, addressing abdominal and digestive pain and dysentery, and is credited with tonifying Qi and the Kidneys, lifting the spirit, and invigorating Blood circulation; modern reports note cardioprotective and antihypertensive activity. It is usually taken in decoction. As a regional folk herb its indications are less standardized than mainstream materia medica, and it is best used under qualified guidance.
Botanical Description
Lu Bian Qing ("roadside green") is a regional folk-medicine name not catalogued as a headword in the principal modern Chinese Materia Medica references consulted. Such names are often applied to several different roadside herbaceous species depending on locality, including various Plantago, Polygonum or Verbena relatives, so no single botanical binomial can be reliably assigned. Without verified identification, no morphology, parts used or actions can responsibly be given. The entry is therefore treated as botanically unidentifiable.
Active Constituents
Gemin A
Dimeric ellagitanninConcentration: Dominant compound in the herb
A dimeric hydrolyzable tannin identified as a dominant constituent of Geum aleppicum; shows pronounced α-glucosidase inhibition in activity-based profiling, consistent with the plant's folk use for diabetes and its astringent character.
Miquelianin (quercetin-3-O-glucuronide)
Flavonol glycosideConcentration: Dominant flavonoid
A major flavonol glucuronide with antioxidant and α-glucosidase-inhibitory activity, contributing to the herb's anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects.
Niga-ichigoside F1
Triterpenoid glycosideConcentration: Dominant triterpenoid
A triterpene saponin abundant in the herb, associated with anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective activity in Rosaceae species.
Ellagic acid
Ellagitannin-derived polyphenolConcentration: Major phenolic (marker)
A principal antioxidant polyphenol of the aerial parts; a marker compound linked to the herb's antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.
Ellagitannins (pedunculagin, tellimagrandin)
Hydrolyzable tanninsConcentration: Abundant tannin fraction
The tannin fraction responsible for the astringent, antidiarrheal and antimicrobial actions traditionally exploited for gastrointestinal complaints.
Eugenol
Phenylpropanoid (volatile oil)Concentration: Volatile constituent
A characteristic aromatic phenylpropanoid of Geum species with analgesic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to pain-relieving and warming traditional uses.
Protocatechuic acid derivatives
Phenolic acidsConcentration: Minor phenolics
Phenolic acids such as 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid glucoside add to the antioxidant capacity of the herb.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Preparation Methods
Decoction
Parts: Aerial parts (whole herb), Root
Decoct the dried whole herb and root to dispel wind, relieve spasms and stop pain, and to warm the Middle and move Qi; folk practice also uses it for fever, dysentery and indigestion.
Astringent decoction / wash
Parts: Aerial parts (whole herb), Root
The tannin-rich root and herb are decocted for astringent effect in diarrhea and dysentery, or used externally as a wash, reflecting its high hydrolyzable-tannin content.
Historical Texts
Quan Guo Zhong Cao Yao Hui Bian (National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine)
Modern (20th century)References
- Mo X, Zhou Y, Zhan M, Zhang Y, Liu J, Quang H, Dong L. A review of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity for the genus Geum (Rosaceae) . Fitoterapia (2025) [DOI]
- Zhaparkulova K, et al.. Unraveling the Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Geum aleppicum Jacq.: Insights from Plants Collected in Kazakhstan . Molecules (2025) [DOI]
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.
📝 Notes
Public notes from the community and your own private notes on Lu Bian Qing.
No notes yet.