☯ TCM Properties
Expels Phlegm, stops coughing and settles wheezing; Invigorates the Blood, transforms Stasis and alleviates pain; Clears Damp-Heat and reduces jaundice
Traditional Chinese Uses
Zi Jin Niu (Herba Ardisiae Japonicae), the whole herb of Ardisia japonica, is a phlegm-transforming medicinal that is bitter, pungent and neutral, entering the Lung and Liver channels. Its principal action is to expel Phlegm, stop coughing and settle wheezing, making it useful for chronic cough with copious sputum and for Phlegm-dampness obstructing the Lungs with panting fullness. Because it also invigorates the Blood and dispels Stasis, it is applied to Blood-Stasis menstrual pain, rheumatic joint pain (Bi syndrome) and traumatic injury.
Entering the Liver channel, it additionally clears Damp-Heat and reduces jaundice, and is used for damp-heat jaundice and for hot, painful urinary dribbling. Typically decocted, it may be combined with other cough-and-phlegm or blood-moving herbs according to the pattern; documented since the Song-dynasty Ben Cao Tu Jing.
Western Herbalism Properties
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
| 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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