Gou Ju Ye
StarPoncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.
Synonyms: Citrus trifoliata L., Aegle sepiaria DC.
☯ TCM Properties
Promotes the circulation of Qi, dissipates nodulation and stops vomiting
Traditional Chinese Uses
Gou Ju Ye (枸橘叶) is the leaf of the trifoliate orange, Poncirus trifoliata (Rutaceae), and should not be confused with tangerine leaf (Ju Ye) from Citrus. Pungent and warm, it enters the Lung, Stomach and Large Intestine channels. Its principal action is to move and regulate Qi, and by directing rebellious Stomach Qi downward it harmonizes the middle and stops vomiting.
Traditionally it is used for Qi stagnation with epigastric and abdominal distension, belching, regurgitation, hiccups and vomiting. Its dispersing, Qi-moving nature also allows it to dissipate nodulation, so it has been applied to swellings and to mouth and throat sores (aphtha). It is typically decocted, and its warm pungency makes it suited to cold-type or stagnant patterns rather than to Heat from Yin deficiency.
Botanical Description
Gou Ju Ye, Folium Ponciri, is the leaf of the trifoliate orange, Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. (syn. Citrus trifoliata L.; Rutaceae), a deciduous, densely branched, thorny shrub or small tree 1-5 m tall native to China and Korea. The green, flattened young stems bear stout axillary spines and distinctive trifoliolate compound leaves with narrowly winged petioles; the three leaflets are obovate to elliptic, 1.5-5 cm long, with finely crenulate margins. Fragrant white five-petalled flowers open before or with the leaves and are followed by small, downy, aromatic yellow fruits. The leaves are gathered in spring and summer and dried for use. Pungent and warm, they promote the circulation of Qi, dissipate nodulation and stop vomiting.
Cultivated as hedging and citrus rootstock; also on slopes, roadsides and forest margins.
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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