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Xi Xian Cao

Sigesbeckia orientalis

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Sigesbeckia Species: orientalis Pinyin: Xi Xian Cao Latin: Herba Siegesbeckiae

Synonyms: Sigesbeckia droseroides, Sigesbeckia brachiata, Sigesbeckia iberica, Sigesbeckia humilis, Sigesbeckia caspia, Minyranthes heterophylla, Sigesbeckia triangularis, Sigesbeckia orientalis var. tenggerensis, Sigesbeckia orientalis f. angustifolia, Sigesbeckia gracilis, Sigesbeckia glutinosa, Sigesbeckia microcephala, Sigesbeckia esquirolii

St. Paul's Wort (English) Indian Weed (English) East Indian Weed (English) Xi Xian Cao (Chinese (Pinyin)) θ±¨θŽΆθ‰ (Chinese)
Sigesbeckia orientalis β€” flower
Sigesbeckia orientalis β€” flower

☯ TCM Properties

Category: wind-damp_dispelling
Temperature: cold
Taste: bitter, pungent
Meridians: kidney, liver, heart, spleen
Functions:

Dispels Wind-Dampness, strengthens the sinews and unblocks the channels and collaterals; Clears Heat and pacifies the Liver; Clears and transforms Damp-Heat and eliminates toxins; Treats hypertension; Calms the Spirit

Western Herbalism Properties

Actions:
anti-inflammatoryanalgesicantihypertensive

Botanical Description

Sigesbeckia orientalis is an annual herb in the daisy family (Asteraceae), growing 40-100 cm tall. Stems are erect, branched above, and covered in sticky glandular hairs. Leaves are opposite, triangular-ovate to rhombic, 4-10 cm long, with coarsely toothed margins and a narrowed base. Flower heads are small (6-8 mm), yellow, borne in loose corymbs. The outer bracts are glandular and sticky, often catching small insects. The plant has an unpleasant, sticky smell. This species is used interchangeably with S. pubescens and S. glabrescens.

Habitat:

Roadsides, waste places, forest margins, and disturbed habitats; widespread throughout tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Native Region: Amur, Angola, Assam, Baltic States, Belarus, Borneo, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central European Rus, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, East European Russia, East Himalaya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Hainan, India, Inner Mongolia, Iran, Japan, Jawa, Kazakhstan, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Korea, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Madagascar, Malawi, Malaya, Maluku, Manchuria, Mauritius, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nansei-shoto, Nepal, New South Wales, North Caucasus, North European Russi, Northern Territory, Northwest European R, Pakistan, Philippines, Primorye, Queensland, Rodrigues, RΓ©union, Socotra, South European Russi, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Tadzhikistan, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, Transcaucasus, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Victoria, Vietnam, West Himalaya, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Conservation Notes:

Sigesbeckia orientalis is a common tropical and subtropical weed found throughout Asia, Africa, and introduced to the Americas. No conservation concerns.

Cultural & Historical Context

Traditional Chinese Uses

Xi Xian Cao (siegesbeckia herb, saint paulswort) is a bitter, cold herb used in Chinese medicine to expel Wind-Damp and clear Heat from the channels and Blood, making it useful for both joint conditions and hypertension. It relieves joint pain, spasms, and numbness from Wind-Damp bi syndrome, and its Liver-calming properties anchor Liver Yang to relieve headache, dizziness, insomnia, tinnitus, and hypertension. It also clears Damp-Heat skin conditions including sores, eczema, and pruritus.

Chemistry & External Identifiers

Trefle ID
7052

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.

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