Pinyin: Huercao
Aliases
Shiheye, Jinsiheye, Erduocao
Source
Saxifragaceae plant *Saxifraga stolonifera*Saxifraga stoloniferaCurt.
Botanical Description
Perennial low-growing herb, does not wither in winter. Roots slender; stolons elongated, reddish-purple, sometimes producing leaves and adventitious roots. Leaves basal, usually several; leaf blades fleshy, round or reniform, 4-6 cm in diameter, occasionally larger, base cordate or truncate, margin with shallow lobes and irregular fine serrations, upper surface green, often with white markings, lower surface purplish-red, both surfaces pubescent. Paniculate inflorescence, axis, branches, and pedicels with glandular hairs and tomentum; bracts lanceolate, pubescent; sepals ovate, apex acute, spreading outward; flowers numerous, petals 5, white or pink, lower 2 petals very long, elliptic-lanceolate, 1-1.5 cm long, 2-3 mm wide, upper 3 petals smaller, ovate, with yellow spots at base; stamens 10, filaments clavate, about twice as long as sepals, anthers purplish-red; ovary globose, style slender, stigma minute. Capsule ovoid, apex deeply 2-lobed, beak-like. Flowering period May to August, fruiting period July to November.
Habitat and Distribution
Grows in forests, thickets, meadows, and damp rocky areas at elevations of 400-4500 m. Distributed in East China, Central South China, Southwest China, and Hebei, Shaanxi, and Gansu.
Harvesting and Processing
Harvested in all four seasons, pull out the whole plant, wash clean, and air-dry.
Chemical Constituents
This product primarily contains bergenin, quercitrin, quercetin, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, and succinic acid among other components.
Pharmacology
Has cardiotonic and diuretic effects; in vitro experiments showed no inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.
Properties and Channel Entry
Bitter, acrid, cold, mildly toxic.
Functions and Indications
Dispels Wind, clears Heat, cools Blood, and resolves toxicity. Indications: wind-heat cough, pulmonary abscess, hemoptysis, purulent otorrhea, wind-fire toothache, wind rash with itching, abscesses and erysipelas, hemorrhoidal swelling and pain, venomous insect bites, burns, and traumatic bleeding.
Dosage and Administration
Internal: decoct in water, 10-15 g
Precautions and Contraindications
Caution should be exercised in pregnant women.
Prescriptions
1. Treats lung abscess with cough and foul-smelling purulent sputum: Saxifraga stolonifera 12 g, Lonicera japonica leaf 30 g. Decoct twice in water, take separately. (Jiangxi Folk Herbal Medicine) 2. Treats hemorrhoidal swelling and pain: Saxifraga stolonifera 30 g. Decoct in water, add a little salt, place in a jar, and fumigate while sitting, twice daily. (Jiangxi Folk Herbal Medicine) 3. Treats tuberculous lymphadenitis: Fresh Saxifraga stolonifera, mash and apply to the affected area, use continuously for 3-5 days. (Southern Medicine: Chinese Materia Medica) 4. Treats metrorrhagia (profuse uterine bleeding): Fresh Saxifraga stolonifera 30-60 g, decoct in equal parts yellow wine and water. (Zhejiang Folk Commonly Used Herbal Medicine) 5. Treats hematemesis (vomiting blood): Saxifraga stolonifera 9 g, lean pork 120 g. Chop and mix together, form into meat patties, add water, and steam until cooked. (Jiangxi Folk Herbal Medicine) 6. Treats wind-fire toothache: Saxifraga stolonifera 30-60 g. Decoct in water, remove the residue, add 1 egg, and boil together before taking. (Zhejiang Medicinal Flora) 7. Treats skin rubella (urticaria): Saxifraga stolonifera, Xanthium sibiricum, Arnebia euchroma, and Phragmites communis rhizome, 15 g each. Decoct in water, take in 3 doses: morning, noon, and evening. (Guangxi Compendium of Herbal Medicine) 8. Treats urticaria (hives): Saxifraga stolonifera 15 g, Smilax glabra 24 g, Lonicera japonica stem 30 g, Chrysanthemum indicum 15 g. Decoct in water; take the first decoction orally, and use the second decoction to fumigate and wash the affected area. (Zhejiang Medicinal Flora)
