Jin Qiao Mai
Fagopyrum dibotrys (D.Don) Hara
โฏ TCM Properties
Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity; Expels pus and dispels Blood stasis; Clears Lung Heat and Transforms Phlegm; Benefits the Throat and Reduces Swelling; Strengthens the Spleen and Promotes Digestion
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Fagopyrum dibotrys (D.Don) H. Hara (Polygonaceae), perennial or golden buckwheat, is a robust herbaceous perennial 50-150 cm tall, growing from a stout, woody, knotted rhizome that branches into many fleshy roots. The hollow, grooved stems are erect or sprawling, often reddish at the nodes and clasped by membranous ochreae. Alternate, broadly triangular-hastate leaves 5-12 cm long have acuminate tips and entire margins. Terminal and axillary compound cymes of small, white, five-tepalled flowers mature into three-angled, brown achenes. Native to subtropical Asia from the Himalayas through China and Vietnam, the plant grows on moist slopes and forest margins. The dried rhizome (Jin Qiao Mai) is used in TCM to clear heat, resolve toxicity, transform phlegm, and expel pus, particularly in lung abscess and respiratory infections.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Jin Qiao Mai (wild buckwheat rhizome, fagopyrum rhizome) is a cool herb used in Chinese medicine to clear Heat toxin, reduce swelling, and invigorate Blood. It is used for Lung Heat with cough and purulent phlegm โ potentially including Lung abscess โ and for inflammatory swellings, carbuncles, and throat infections from Heat toxin. Its Blood-activating properties extend to joint pain and traumatic injuries. Modern Chinese medicine uses it in formulas for acute respiratory infections and inflammatory swellings.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.