Mao Zhao Cao
StarRanunculus ternatus Thunb.
☯ TCM Properties
Transforms Phlegm and Dissipates Nodules; Resolves Toxicity and Reduces Swelling; Disperses Accumulations and Dissipates Nodules
Traditional Chinese Uses
Mao Zhao Cao (Ranunculus ternatus, cat-claw buttercup) is a warm herb used in Chinese medicine to dissipate Phlegm nodules, disperse accumulations, and stop pain. It is applied for scrofula, lymph node swellings, thyroid nodules, and carbuncles from Phlegm-Fire stagnation, as well as for joint pain and neuralgia from obstruction. It has mild toxicity and must be used in controlled doses. Topically it is applied for skin conditions and inflammatory swellings.
Botanical Description
Ranunculus ternatus is a small tuberous perennial herb in the Ranunculaceae, native to grassy fields, ditch banks, and damp slopes across central and southern China, Japan, and Korea. From a cluster of small, spindle-shaped to ovoid fleshy tubers 5-15 mm long arises a low rosette of long-petiolate basal leaves that are simple to ternately compound, with three obovate to broadly cuneate leaflets that are shallowly three-lobed or coarsely toothed at the apex, dark green and glabrous to sparsely hairy. One to a few slender flowering stems 5-20 cm tall bear small bright yellow five-petalled flowers about 8-10 mm across with numerous stamens and a domed receptacle. Fruits are small ovoid achenes aggregated into a head. The dried tuberous roots, dug in spring, are the medicinal Mao Zhao Cao.
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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