Xi Xian Cao

Sigesbeckia orientalis

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Sigesbeckia Species: orientalis Pinyin: Xi Xian Cao

Synonyms: Sigesbeckia droseroides, Sigesbeckia brachiata, Sigesbeckia iberica, Sigesbeckia humilis, Sigesbeckia caspia, Minyranthes heterophylla, Sigesbeckia triangularis, Sigesbeckia orientalis var. tenggerensis, Sigesbeckia orientalis f. angustifolia, Sigesbeckia gracilis, Sigesbeckia glutinosa, Sigesbeckia microcephala, Sigesbeckia esquirolii

St. Paul's WortIndian WeedEast Indian WeedXi Xian Cao豨莶草

☯ TCM Properties

Category: wind-damp_dispelling

Temperature: cold

Taste: bitter, pungent

Meridians: kidney, liver, heart, spleen

Functions:

Dispels Wind-Dampness, strengthens the sinews and unblocks the channels and collaterals; Clears Heat and pacifies the Liver; Clears and transforms Damp-Heat and eliminates toxins; Treats hypertension; Calms the Spirit

Western Herbalism Properties

Actions:

anti-inflammatoryanalgesicantihypertensive

Gallery

Botanical Description

Sigesbeckia orientalis is an annual herb in the daisy family (Asteraceae), growing 40-100 cm tall. Stems are erect, branched above, and covered in sticky glandular hairs. Leaves are opposite, triangular-ovate to rhombic, 4-10 cm long, with coarsely toothed margins and a narrowed base. Flower heads are small (6-8 mm), yellow, borne in loose corymbs. The outer bracts are glandular and sticky, often catching small insects. The plant has an unpleasant, sticky smell. This species is used interchangeably with S. pubescens and S. glabrescens.

Habitat:

Roadsides, waste places, forest margins, and disturbed habitats; widespread throughout tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Native Region: Amur, Angola, Assam, Baltic States, Belarus, Borneo, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central European Rus, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, East European Russia, East Himalaya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Hainan, India, Inner Mongolia, Iran, Japan, Jawa, Kazakhstan, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Korea, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Madagascar, Malawi, Malaya, Maluku, Manchuria, Mauritius, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nansei-shoto, Nepal, New South Wales, North Caucasus, North European Russi, Northern Territory, Northwest European R, Pakistan, Philippines, Primorye, Queensland, Rodrigues, Réunion, Socotra, South European Russi, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Tadzhikistan, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, Transcaucasus, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Victoria, Vietnam, West Himalaya, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Conservation Notes:

Sigesbeckia orientalis is a common tropical and subtropical weed found throughout Asia, Africa, and introduced to the Americas. No conservation concerns.

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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