Xiang Ru
StarElsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyl.
☯ TCM Properties
Induces Sweating and Releases the Exterior; Clears Summer-Heat and Resolves Dampness; Harmonizes the Middle Burner; Promotes Urination and Reduces Edema
Traditional Chinese Uses
Huang Lian (coptis rhizome) is one of the bitterest and coldest herbs in Chinese medicine, revered for its ability to drain Fire and resolve Damp-Heat from nearly any organ system. It is especially effective for the Heart, Stomach, and Intestines — addressing insomnia and restlessness from Heart Fire, epigastric pain and vomiting from Stomach Heat, and dysentery from intestinal Damp-Heat. Topically, its antimicrobial potency is applied for eye infections, sores, and boils.
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyl. (Lamiaceae), known as Vietnamese balm or crested late-summer mint, is a strongly aromatic annual herb native to East Asia and widely naturalized across temperate Eurasia. It grows 30 to 70 cm tall with erect, slender, four-angled, often purplish stems that are sparsely hairy and freely branching. The leaves are opposite, ovate to broadly lanceolate, 3 to 9 cm long, with serrate margins, an acute tip, a wedge-shaped to rounded base and slender petioles; both surfaces bear scattered glandular dots that release a strong mint-like, somewhat lemony scent when rubbed. The inflorescence is a one-sided terminal spike 2 to 7 cm long, dense and comb-like, with conspicuous, broadly ovate, ciliate, often purple-tinged bracts overlapping like the teeth of a comb. The small, two-lipped, pale purple-pink flowers protrude from between the bracts. The aerial parts, harvested in summer when in flower and shade-dried, constitute Xiang Ru in Chinese medicine.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 3-9g | 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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