Pinyin: Yazhicao
Aliases
Zhuye Cai, Yajiao Cao, E'er Cai
Source
Plant of Commelinaceae family, *Commelina communis* L.Commelina communisL. of the dried aerial parts.
Botanical Description
Annual herb, plant height 15-60 cm. Mostly with fibrous roots. Stems much branched, with longitudinal ridges, base prostrate, upper part erect. Leaves alternate, simple; leaf blade ovate-lanceolate or lanceolate, 4-10 cm long, 1-3 cm wide, apex acuminate, base decurrent into membranous sheath, clasping the stem, with white ciliate margin, entire. Involucre spathe-like, petiolate, opposite the leaves, cordate, margin often with stiff hairs. Cymes borne on upper branches. Flowers 3-4, with short pedicels; sepals 3, ovate, membranous; petals 3, deep blue, the smaller one ovate, the larger two suborbicular, with long claws; stamens 6, 3 fertile, 3 sterile, filaments short, glabrous, apex butterfly-shaped; pistil 1, ovary superior, ovoid, style filiform and long. Capsule ellipsoid, 2-locular, 2-valved, with 2 seeds per locule. Seed surface uneven, with white dots. Flowering period July-September, fruiting period September-October.
Habitat and Distribution
It grows in moist, shady areas at elevations of 100-2400 m, commonly found along ditches, roadsides, field ridges, wastelands, beside houses and walls, on slopes, and at forest edges in grassy areas. It is distributed throughout most regions of northern and southern China.
Harvesting and Processing
Harvested in summer and autumn, then dried in the sun.
Chemical Constituents
This product contains Loliolide, Friedelin,β- Sitosterol, commelinin, flavone glycosides from Commelina communis, harman, and other constituents.
Pharmacology
Has antibacterial, anti-endotoxin, and analgesic effects.
Properties and Channel Entry
Sweet and bland, cold. Enters the Lung, Stomach, and Small Intestine channels.
Functions and Indications
Clears Heat, drains Fire, resolves toxicity, and promotes urination to reduce edema
Dosage and Administration
Oral: decoct in water, 15-30 g; fresh product 60-90 g, or crush for juice. External use: appropriate amount, crush for application.
Precautions and Contraindications
Those with Spleen and Stomach deficiency-cold should use with caution.
Prescriptions
1. For influenza: Yezhicao 30 g, Zisu, Malangen, Zhuye, and Maidong 9 g each, Douchi 15 g. Decoct in water and take orally. (Quanguo Zhongcaoyao Huibian) 2. For externally-contracted fever with sore throat: Yezhicao 30 g, Chaihu and Huangqin 12 g each, Yinhuateng and Qianliguang 25 g each, Gancao 6 g. Decoct in water and take orally. (Sichuan Zhongyao Zhi, 1979) 3. For high fever with convulsions: Yezhicao 15 g, Gouteng 6 g. Decoct in water and take orally. (Fujian Yaowu Zhi) 4. For throat impediment with swelling and pain: Yezhicao 60 g. Wash, crush to extract juice, and hold in the mouth frequently before swallowing. (Jiangxi Caoyao) 5. For red and white dysentery: Yezhicao 15 g, Zhuye 9 g. Decoct in water and take orally. (Jilin Zhongcaoyao) 6. For difficult urination: Yezhicao 30 g, Cheqiancao 30 g. Crush to extract juice, add a little honey, and take on an empty stomach. (Binhu Jijian Fang) 7. For hypertension: Yezhicao 30 g, Candouhua 9 g. Decoct in water and drink as tea. (Jiangxi Caoyao)
