Source Lysimachia is the whole plant of Lysimachia chnstinae Hance, (Fam. Primukiceae)
Producing Areas Mainly produced in Sichuan. Also produced in the provinces south of the Yangtze River.
Properties Sweet, Salty, Slightly Cold
Channels Liver, Gall Bladder, Kidney, Bladder
ACTION
- Eliminates dampness and relieves jaundice
For jaundice of dampness-heat type. Also used for cholelithiasis and infectious hepatitis. - Promotes diuresis and relieves stranguria
For stranguria of heat-type, urinary stone, and edema. - Treats pyocutaneous disease with swelling and snake bites
Clears toxic material and relieves swelling. - Treats eczema and damp sores
For skin infection.
Usage and Dosage
15–60 g is used in decoction for oral use.
The pounded fresh one and decoction can be used externally.
Storage
Keep in a dry place. Protect from moths.
Description of Quality Herb
The good one is green in colour, with complete leaves and delicate fragrance.
Professional Tips
Identifying Jinqiancao, Guangdong Jinqiancao and Lianxiancao (dry aerial part of Glechoma longituba (Nakai) Kupr.)
Similarities: They all use Jinqiancao as their herb name, all can promote diuresis, treat stranguria, clear away heat, eliminate toxic materials and remove calculus.
Differences: Jinqiancao is effective in clearing away heat, eliminating toxic materials and removing calculus in the liver or gallbladder. Guangdong Jinqiancao and Lianxiancao are effective in removing calculus in urogenital system.
- Guang Jinqiancao (or Guangdong Jinqiancao)
It is the dry aerial part of Desmodium styracifoiium (Osb.) Merr. The stem is cylindrical and covered with short yellow pubescences. The leaves are opposite, subrotund or oblong, entire-margined. It is slightly fragrant and sweet in flavour.
Actions: Drain the gallbladder and promote diuresis
Application: Treat stranguria due to heat, brownish urine, calculus in the urogenital system and gallbladder. - Lianxiancao
The stem is like a square column, thin and twisted, yellowish green or purplish red. The leaves are opposite, kidney-like or subcordate with toothed margin.
Actions: Drain the gallbladder, promote diuresis and relieve hypertension
Application: Treat stranguria, jaundice, edema as well as dispel heat and eliminate toxic materials.
