Luo Bu Ma
Apocynum venetum L.
☯ TCM Properties
Calms the Liver and Subdues Yang; Calms the Spirit; Clears Heat; Promotes Urination and Reduces Edema
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Apocynum venetum (Apocynaceae), the Asian dogbane or Luo Bu Ma, is a glabrous perennial subshrub or herb 50-200 cm tall with erect, slender, purplish-red branched stems that exude a milky latex when broken. Opposite, elliptic to oblong-lanceolate leaves 1-8 cm long are short-petiolate with entire margins and a pale midrib. Terminal cymose inflorescences bear numerous small, fragrant, bell-shaped flowers with pink to purplish-pink five-lobed corollas about 1 cm across. The fruit consists of paired slender pendulous follicles 15-20 cm long that split to release tufted, plumed seeds dispersed by wind. Native to saline-alkaline soils, riverbanks, and steppe margins across northern China, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and southeastern Europe. The leaves are collected in summer and dried for tea and medicinal use. (Sources: POWO; Wikipedia)
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Luo Bu Ma (dogbane leaf, apocynum leaf) is a cool herb used in Chinese medicine for its natural ability to calm the Liver and lower blood pressure. It addresses Liver Yang rising with dizziness, headache, and palpitations — the pattern commonly associated with essential hypertension. It also calms the Spirit for anxiety-related insomnia and has a mild diuretic action that reduces puffiness and fluid retention. Modern research has confirmed its antihypertensive mechanisms and cardiovascular protective effects.
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.