Qin Jiao
Gentiana macrophylla Pall.
โฏ TCM Properties
Dispels Wind-Dampness; Relaxes the Sinews and Unblocks the Collaterals; Clears Deficiency Heat; Clears Damp-Heat and Resolves Jaundice
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Gentiana macrophylla (large-leaf gentian) is a herbaceous perennial in the Gentianaceae family, native to grasslands and meadows of northern China, Mongolia, and Siberia, growing 30-60 cm tall. It forms a stout, cylindrical, twisted yellowish-brown taproot 10-30 cm long that is intensely bitter. Basal leaves are large, lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, 12-20 cm long with 5-7 prominent parallel veins, forming a rosette; stem leaves are smaller, opposite, and clasping. The deep blue to purplish-blue, tubular-campanulate flowers are clustered in dense terminal and axillary whorls, each 1.5-2.5 cm long with five lobes. The fruit is an oblong capsule containing many small winged seeds. The harvested root is the medicinal Qin Jiao (POWO; Wikipedia).
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-15g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Ji Guan Hua (cockscomb flower) is a cool, astringent herb used in Chinese medicine primarily to stop bleeding and treat dysentery with blood. It is indicated for rectal bleeding, hemorrhoidal bleeding, bloody dysentery, excessive uterine bleeding, and other bleeding conditions associated with Heat in the Blood or Lower Burner. When charred, its hemostatic properties are enhanced. It is also used topically for skin conditions and vaginal discharge from Damp-Heat.
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.