Source Four-Leaf Ladybell Root is the dried root ofAdenophora stricta Miq. (Fam. Campanulaceae).
Producing Areas Anhui, Guizhou, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Henan, Shandong, etc. The product from Anhui or Zhejiang is the most effective but the most heavily harvested Nanshashen is from Guizhou. They are both wild.
Properties Sweet, Slightly Cold
Channels Lung, Stomach
Action
- Replenishes theyin of the lung and stomach
Heat in the lungs with dry cough. - Removes heat from the lung and promotes fluid secretion
Cough with scanty sticky sputum in phthisis with deficiency inyin; deficiency of bothqi andyin with feverishness and thirst.
Usage and Dosage
9 – 15g is used in decoction for oral use. 15 – 30g of the fresh herb is also used. It can also be used crudely.
Notes It is incompatible with Lilu (Rhizoma et Radix Veratri). Use with caution for cough due to wind-cold.
It is shaped like a cylinder or cone, sometimes curved or twisted, usually 7 – 27cm long and 0.5 – 3cm in diameter. The rhizomes on top of the main root are of irregular length and thickness, and surrounded by many half-moon-shaped root marks. Its surface is yellowish white or pale brown yellow, rough, with deep thin and crowded crosswise wrinkles on the upper part and longitudinal wrinkles and grooves on the lower part. It is not solid and is light in weight. The broken surface is yellowish white, with many fractures. The flavour is slightly sweet, with no smell.
Storage
Keep in a well-ventilated and dry place. Protect it from mould and moths.
Description of Quality Herb
The good one is is long and thick in size, full, yellowish white in colour.
Steamed Kidneys with Solomon’s Seal Rhizome and Four-Leaf Ladybell Root
Effects Nourishesyin and tonifies the kidneys, beneficial for those suffering from diabetes marked by three polys: polydipsia, polyphagia and polyuria.
Ingredients
Solomon’s Seal rhizome 20g, Four-Leaf Ladybell root 15g, Chinese yam 10g, fuling 10g, pig kidneys 2, cooking wine 10g, salt 5g, spring onion 10g, ginger 5g, soy sauce 10g, chicken soup 300ml.
Preparation
1.Soak and slice the herbs. Clean the pig kidneys and cut into sections. Chop the spring onion finely and cut the ginger into slices.
2.Place the pig kidneys in a steaming plate, add seasonings and stir evenly, then add the chicken soup. Top the kidneys with the herbs.
3.Put the plate in the steamer, steam over high heat for 45 minutes and serve.
Yin Tea for Stomach Nourishment
Effects Relieves heat and pain in the gastral cavity, beneficial to those who suffer from loss of appetite, dryness in the mouth, constipation and chronic gastritis. Replenishsyin and nourishes the stomach, promotes production of body fluid and quenches thirst.
Ingredients
Rehmannia root 15g, Four-Leaf Ladybell root 10g, Dwarf Lilyturf tuber 10g, Solomon’s Seal 10g, rock sugar 5g.
Preparation
1.Wash the herbs.
2.Decoct herbs in a pot with water. Add rock sugar and boil until sugar melts.