Yin Tonics
Han Lian Cao (Yerbadetajo Herb)
Name
Mo Han Lian (Herba Ecliptae), recorded in Xinxiu Bencao.
Source and quality
Plant
The aerial parts of the annual herbaceous Eclipta prostrata L., family Asteraceae.
Where it is grown
Most regions.
Harvest
Cut in summer.
Smell and taste
Sweet smell; light flavor, slightly salty and astringent.
Better grade
Blackish-green, with plenty of leaves.
Processing
Used unprocessed.
Nature and action
Sweet, sour and cold; enters the liver and kidney channels. Nourishes the liver and kidney, and cools the blood to stop bleeding.
When it is used
Liver and kidney yin deficiency
It is used for dizziness, blurred vision, dimmed sight, premature graying of the beard and hair, and soreness and limpness of the lower back and knees, where liver and kidney yin is deficient, whether alone or with effulgent fire, because it nourishes the yin of liver and kidney. It may be used alone, as in Han Lian Gao from Yi Deng Xu Yan, or combined with other liver and kidney tonics, such as Nv Zhen Zi in Er Zhi Wan from Yi Fang Ji Jie.
Bleeding syndromes
It is used for bleeding from blood heat, especially bleeding from yin deficiency with blood heat, because it nourishes yin, clears heat and cools the blood to stop bleeding. It may be used alone: both crushed for juice from the fresh herb and decocted from the dried herb are effective. It is also combined with herbs that nourish yin and cool the blood to stop bleeding, such as Sheng Di Huang, E Jiao, Bai Mao Gen and Pu Huang.
Dose
Decoction 10~30 g. Use externally as appropriate.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
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