Zi Jin Niu

Unknown

Pinyin: Zi Jin Niu
Japanese Ardisiae

☯ TCM Properties

Category: transforming_phlegm
Temperature: neutral
Taste: bitter, pungent
Meridians: lung, liver
Functions:

Expels Phlegm, stops coughing and settles wheezing; Invigorates the Blood, transforms Stasis and alleviates pain; Clears Damp-Heat and reduces jaundice

Western Herbalism Properties

Actions:
expectorantanti-inflammatory

Botanical Description

Zi Jin Niu is the whole herb of Ardisia japonica (Primulaceae, formerly Myrsinaceae), a low evergreen subshrub 10–30 cm tall widespread in mountain forest understorey across central, southern and eastern China, Korea and Japan. It spreads by slender creeping rhizomes that give rise to erect, sparsely branched leafy shoots. Leaves are subopposite or whorled in pseudoverticils of three to seven at the stem apex, elliptic to oblong-lanceolate, 4–7 cm long, leathery, with finely serrate margins and prominent gland dots. Pendulous axillary umbels bear two to six small, broadly campanulate flowers with five pink to white reflexed lobes 4–5 mm long. Globose drupes ripen bright coral-red, 5–6 mm across, and persist through winter.

Dosage

FormAmountFrequency DurationPopulationNotes
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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