Zhu Sha Lian
StarAristolochia cinnabarina C.Y.Cheng & J.L.Wu
☯ TCM Properties
Clears Heat and removes toxicity; Regulates Qi, invigorates the Blood, breaks up Blood Stasis and alleviates pain
Traditional Chinese Uses
Zhu Sha Lian (朱砂莲, "cinnabar lotus") is the tuberous root of Aristolochia cinnabarina and related Aristolochia species, used in southwestern China. Bitter, acrid and cold, it was traditionally described as clearing heat and resolving toxicity, and as regulating qi and invigorating the blood to break up stasis and stop pain. Historically it was taken for enteritis, dysentery, sore throat, and stomach and abdominal pain, and applied to snakebite and sores.
Safety: as an Aristolochia, this root contains aristolochic acid, which is nephrotoxic and carcinogenic and causes irreversible kidney failure and urothelial cancer. It is banned or restricted in many countries. This information is provided for historical and reference purposes only; the herb must not be used medicinally, and any product containing Aristolochia should be avoided.
Botanical Description
Zhu Sha Lian (朱砂莲), literally "cinnabar lotus," is a regional folk-name applied in southwestern China most commonly to the tuberous root of certain Aristolochia species (notably Aristolochia tuberosa C. F. Liang & S. M. Hwang or A. cinnabarina), and in some sources to Loropetalum chinense red-leaved cultivars or particular Polygala species. The candidate Aristolochia identification is clinically significant because plants in that genus contain aristolochic acids, which are nephrotoxic and carcinogenic and are banned or strictly restricted in many jurisdictions. Without a corroborating Latin name on the source record the identification cannot be confirmed, and the safety implications make speculative assignment inappropriate. The entry follows the unidentifiable null-pattern and should be flagged for source-record verification and toxicological review.
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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