Long Kui
Solanum nigrum L.
โฏ TCM Properties
Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity; Invigorates Blood and Reduces Swelling; Promotes Urination and Reduces Edema; Cools the Blood and Stops Bleeding; Dissipates Nodules and Softens Hardness
Botanical Description
Solanum nigrum, the black nightshade, is a cosmopolitan annual or short-lived perennial herb in the Solanaceae, growing 30-90 cm tall in disturbed ground, gardens, and field margins worldwide. The much-branched stems are erect to ascending, slightly angled, green to purplish, sparsely hairy. Alternate leaves are ovate to ovate-lanceolate, 4-9 cm long, with entire to sinuate-toothed margins, dull green and softly hairy on both surfaces. Small white five-petalled star-shaped flowers about 5-8 mm across with prominent yellow anther cones are borne in small umbel-like extra-axillary cymes of 3-10 flowers. Fruits are small globose berries 6-10 mm across that ripen from green to dull black, containing many flat seeds. The dried whole flowering and fruiting aerial plant is the medicinal Long Kui; unripe parts are toxic due to solanine.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Long Kui (black nightshade herb) is a cold, bitter herb used in Chinese medicine to clear Heat toxin, promote Blood circulation, and reduce swelling. It is applied for carbuncles, boils, inflammatory skin conditions, and sore throat from Heat toxin, as well as for certain types of abdominal masses. Due to the presence of solanine alkaloids, it has mild toxicity and requires careful professional dosing. Topically it is used in poultices for inflammatory lesions.
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.