Leonurus japonicus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Leonurus japonicus | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
||||||||||||||
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
| Leonurus japonicus Houtt.[1] |
||||||||||||||
| Synonyms | ||||||||||||||
L. japonicus is a flowering plant native to Asia. It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is called yìmǔcǎo (益母草).
Functions: Smooth menses; Regulate menses; Invigorate blood circulation; Move blood; Reduce masses; Promote urination; Reduce swelling; Disperse phlegm; Disperse edema.
Indication: Menstrual disorders, delayed or absent menses, irregular menses, amenorrhea, dysmenorrha, endometriosis, infertility, PMS, lower abdominal pain, placenta leakage, dystocia, retained placenta, postpartum abdominal pain due to blood obstruction, postpartum pain and bleeding, hematuria, hypertension, nephritis, kidney stones, edema, dysuria, hematuria (blood in urine), lump in the breast, skin infections, skin eruptions.
This plant is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs.
The leaves are diuretic and are placed in bath water to relieve itching and painful shingles.
The dried flowers are emmenagogue and are also used in pregnancy and to help expel the placenta after giving birth.
The juice of the stems is vulnerary.
The fruit is antibacterial, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, ophthalmic and vasodilator. It is used in the treatment of abnormal menstruation, nebula and conjunctivitis.
The seed is aphrodisiac, diuretic, emmenagogue, ophthalmic and is also used in the treatment of various women's complaints. The plant was ranked number one in a survey of 250 potential antifertility plants in China. The seed is used in the treatment of conjunctivitis and night blindness.
The aerial parts of the plant are alterative, antibacterial, antifungal, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, vasodilator and vulnerary.
The whole plant is decocted, either on its own or with other herbs, as an ophthalmic. It is used in the treatment of abnormal menstruation, postpartum abdominal pain, tumours, uterine bleeding, oedema, eczema and purulent abscess. It is also used externally as a poultice for bruises.
[edit] See also
- Chinese herbology 50 fundamental herbs
