Qian Li Guang
Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham.
โฏ TCM Properties
Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity; Clears Liver Heat and Brightens the Eyes; Drains Dampness; Kills Parasites and Stops Itching
Botanical Description
Senecio scandens is a climbing or scrambling semi-woody perennial in the Asteraceae, widely distributed in forest margins, thickets, and disturbed slopes across China, the Himalayas, Indochina, and Japan. The slender, ridged, sparsely pubescent stems are much-branched and can clamber over surrounding shrubs to 3-5 m. Alternate leaves are triangular-ovate to lance-ovate, 3-10 cm long, with shallowly toothed to sinuate margins and a tapering acute tip, often hastate at the base, glabrous to thinly pubescent. Numerous small yellow flower heads about 1 cm across, each with 8-10 ray florets and many disc florets, are borne in large loose terminal corymb-like compound inflorescences in autumn and winter. Fruits are small pubescent cylindrical achenes with white pappus bristles. The dried flowering aerial plant is Qian Li Guang.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Qian Li Guang (groundsel vine, senecio scandens) is a bitter, cold herb used in Chinese medicine to clear Heat toxin, cool the Blood, and resolve Damp-Heat. It is applied for eye conditions with inflammation, sore throat and tonsillitis from Heat toxin, jaundice from Damp-Heat, and inflammatory skin conditions. It also has applications for eczema and dermatitis when used topically. Its cooling, detoxifying properties make it useful where Heat toxin accumulation is the dominant pattern.
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.