1. Description:
Althaea rosea (scientific name: Althaea rosea (Linn.) Cavan, also known as hollyhock, Chinese: Shu Kui, 蜀葵, 一丈红, 大蜀季, 戎葵), a species of biennial flowering plant in genus Alcea (Malvaceae family). Originated from Sichuan of China, the plant can grow up to 2 meters tall. The whole plant of Althaea rosea acts as detoxicant, antitussive, hemostatic and diuretic in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) used in treating diseases including urinary tract infections, constipation, blood blisters and excessive vaginal discharge in women.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
The seedling of Althaea rosea is considered to have sweet, slightly cold, abortive and non-toxic properties and to be associated with the heart, lung, large intestine and bladder meridians.
The flower of Althaea rosea is considered to have brackish, cold and nontoxic properties and to be associated with the heart, lung, large intestine and bladder meridians.
The seeds of Althaea rosea is considered to have sweet, cold and non-toxic properties and to be associated with the heart, lung, large intestine and bladder meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Althaea Rosea & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Skin Health
Smashed Althaea rosea root is applied externally to treat sores and skin ulcer.
Powdered Althaea rosea flower mixed with lard oil is applied externally to treat a red swollen nose caused by rosacea.
Powdered Althaea rosea seeds mixed with water is applied externally to treat blood blisters.
3.2 The Excretory System
A decoction of Althaea rosea root is taken orally to treat urinary tract infections (UTI), characterized by dysuria (painful urination) or blood in the urine.
A decoction of Althaea rosea flower and musk is used in treating constipation and urinary obstruction.
3.3 Gynecologic Diseases and Disorders
Dried Althaea rosea flower is powdered and taken with warm wine on an empty stomach to treat excessive vaginal discharge in women.
5. Research And Studies:
Researches found out that the root of Althaea rosea contains mucilage, pentose, pentosan, methylpentosan and uronicacid.
The Ben Cao Medical Book (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica or Ben Cao Gang Mu; Chinese: 本草纲目) is the most famous and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compiled and written by Li Shi-zhen (1518~1593), a medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over 27 years.
The Ben Cao Medical Book records and describes all the plants, animals, minerals, and other objects that were believed to have medicinal properties in TCM. The book reflects the pharmaceutical achievements and developments of East Asia before the 16th century. On the basis of his predecessors’ achievements in the pharmacological studies, Li contributed further by supplementing and rectifying many past mistakes and misconception in relate to nature of many medicinal substances and causes of various illnesses. Charles Darwin, originator of the biological theory of evolution, regards the book as the “ancient Chinese encyclopedia”.
Disclaimer: The Ben Cao Medical Book is translated by ChinaAbout.net . The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of CTM knowledge and information from the research and experience from the author Li Shi-zhen. Kindly be alert that the CTM knowledge and ancient formulas given above are likely NOT medically proven and may contain misconceptions.