Lu Xian Cao
StarPyrola calliantha H. Andres; Pyrola decorata H. Andres
☯ TCM Properties
Dispels Wind-Dampness; Nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin; Strengthens the Sinews and Bones; Stops Bleeding; Stops Cough
Traditional Chinese Uses
Lu Xian Cao (pyrola herb, shinleaf) is a warm, bitter-sweet herb used in Chinese medicine to expel Wind-Damp, tonify Kidney and strengthen the bones and sinew, and stop certain types of bleeding. It is used for joint pain and lower back weakness from Wind-Cold-Damp bi obstruction on a background of Liver-Kidney deficiency — particularly in the elderly. Its secondary hemostatic action addresses chronic cough with blood and uterine bleeding from cold deficiency. It addresses both the obstruction and the underlying weakness simultaneously.
Botanical Description
Pyrola calliantha (and the closely related P. decorata) is a small evergreen perennial herb in the Ericaceae (subfamily Monotropoideae), growing in coniferous and mixed mountain forests across central, southern, and western China. From a slender creeping rhizome arises a basal rosette of long-petiolate, broadly elliptic to nearly round, thick, leathery leaves 3-6 cm long, dark glossy green above and often purplish beneath, with entire to minutely crenulate margins. A single erect leafless scape 15-25 cm tall bears a loose raceme of 5-15 nodding, broadly cup-shaped, fragrant flowers with five greenish-white to pale pink petals, a long curved style protruding from the centre, and a slightly fleshy calyx. Fruits are small five-valved capsules with very fine dust-like seeds. The whole dried plant is the medicinal Lu Xian Cao.
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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