Pinyin: Hecaoya
Aliases
Langya, Langchi, Langyazi, Xianhecao Genya.
Source
1. For pneumonia: Renshen 6 g, decoct in water and take orally. 2. Internal use: decoct 3-10 g, large dose 10-30 g.Agrimonia pilosaLedeb. with short small rhizome of dry winter buds (underground rhizome buds).
Botanical Description
See item "Xianhecao" (Agrimony).
Harvesting and Processing
Excavate the rhizome before new shoots sprout in winter or spring, remove old roots, retain the young buds (with small rhizomes), wash clean, and sun-dry or dry at low temperature.
Medicinal Properties
This product is conical in shape, often curved in the middle to upper part, with a total length of 2-6 cm and a diameter of 0.5-1 cm. The apex is covered with several light brown membranous bud scales. The rhizome is short, cylindrical, and 1-3 cm long. The surface is brownish-brown with dense annular nodes, on which grow brownish-black degenerated scale leaves. Occasionally, a few adventitious roots remain at the lower part of the rhizome. The root bud is brittle and fragile, with a flat, yellowish-white cross-section when broken. Odor: faint, with a slight beany aroma; Taste: initially slightly sweet, then astringent and bitter.
Chemical Constituents
Contains agrimophol, agrimonol, apigenin, catechin, tannins, and others.
Properties and Channel Entry
Bitter, astringent, and cool.
Functions and Indications
Expels parasites, resolves toxicity, and reduces swelling. Indications: taeniasis, trichomoniasis, skin ulcers, scabies, ringworm, furuncles, and dysentery with red and white mucus.
Dosage and Administration
Oral: decoct in water, 10-30 g; grind into powder, 15-30 g, for children 0.7-0.8 g per kg of body weight. Topical: apply appropriate amount, wash with decoction; or mash fresh product and apply.
Precautions and Contraindications
For treating taeniasis with Hecaoya, it must be ground into powder and taken orally; decocting in water is ineffective. The powder has a laxative effect, so no additional cathartic is needed. When taken internally, if side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or dizziness occur, they will resolve upon discontinuation.
Prescriptions
1. For taeniasis (tapeworm): Langya 150 g, grind into powder, mix with honey to form pills the size of hemp seeds. Fast overnight, the next morning take 1 he with rice water, finish the entire dose. (From *Wai Tai Mi Yao*, citing *Fan Wang Fang*). 2. For genital sores in women, with erosion, itching, and pain, or pain radiating to the lower back and abdomen: Langya 50 g, decoct in water, strain the dregs, dip absorbent cotton in the decoction, and soak the genital area, morning and evening, once each. (From *Jin Gui Yao Lue Fang Yi*). 3. For genital sores in women, with erosion like ulceration: Langya 150 g, add four sheng of water, boil down to one sheng, strain the dregs, add one he of water and vinegar, boil again for one or two rolls, use while slightly warm. Dip cotton in the decoction and apply to the sores, and also cover with a warm cotton compress. Do this three to five times daily for recovery. (From *Sheng Hui Fang*, Langya Decoction). 4. For taeniasis (tapeworm): Xianhecao bud, trim off the fibrous roots, moisten with water, rub off the outer skin of the rhizome, dry in the sun and grind into powder. Adults: 30 g, children: reduce the dose accordingly. Take on an empty stomach in the morning, once, with boiled water. (From *Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica*, 1979 edition). 5. For furuncles on the scalp in children: Fresh Hecao bud 240 g, cook with an appropriate amount of glutinous rice to make congee, strain out the dregs. Add sugar and take in one dose (do not add oil or salt), one dose daily, for three to five consecutive doses. (From *Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica*, 1979 edition).
