Mei Gui Qie
Hibiscus sabdariffa L.
โฏ TCM Properties
Clears Heat and Resolves Summer-Heat; Astringes the Lungs and Stops Cough; Generates Fluids and Relieves Thirst; Promotes Urination and Reduces Edema; Lowers Blood Pressure; Relieves Alcohol Toxicity
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Hibiscus sabdariffa (Malvaceae), known as roselle or Mei Gui Qie, is an annual or perennial herbaceous shrub growing 2-2.5 m tall, with deeply lobed, glabrous green to reddish leaves arranged alternately on red, branched stems. The pale yellow to cream flowers, 8-10 cm across, develop bright red, fleshy, accrescent calyces that enclose the seed capsule and constitute the harvested product. These calyces are five-lobed, ovate, and become juicy and sour after pollination. The plant thrives in tropical and subtropical climates on a wide range of soils and is widely cultivated across Africa, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Southeast Asia for beverages, jams, and traditional medicine. (Sources: Wikipedia; POWO; PFAF)
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Mei Gui Qie (eggplant) is a cool, sweet food-herb used in Chinese medicine to clear Heat, activate Blood, reduce swelling, and address certain digestive conditions. Traditional applications include clearing Stomach and Spleen Heat, relieving skin conditions from Blood Heat, and addressing digestive discomfort from Heat accumulation. As one of the most commonly consumed vegetables in Chinese cuisine, its medicinal properties reflect the TCM tradition of food-as-medicine and dietary therapy as a foundation of health maintenance.
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.