1. Description:
Vicia hirsuta (scientific name: Vicia hirsuta(L.) S. F. Gray, also known as hairy tare, hairy vetch or tiny vetch, Chinese Pinyin: Xiao Cao Cai, Simplified Chinese: 小巢菜), is a species of annual, flowering herbaceous plant in genus Vicia (bean family, Fabaceae). Native to Europe and Western Asia, the plant can grow up to 90 cm tall. Vicia hirsuta is used as heat-clearing drug, dampness-dispelling drug and emmenagogue in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as jaundice.
Other simplified Chinese names for Vicia hirsuta include: 柱尖, 摇车, 翘摇车, 翘摇, 元修菜, 野蚕豆, 漂摇草, 雀野豆, 野碗豆, 雀野碗豆, 白翘摇, 苕子, 白花苕菜, 小野麻豌.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
Vicia hirsuta is considered to have pungent, sweet and neutral properties and to be associated with the lung and stomach meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Vicia Hirsuta & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Jaundice in Adults
Juice extracted from Vicia hirsuta is taken orally to treat jaundice in adults caused by liver and gallbladder disorders.
3.2 Bleeding Stopping
A decoction of Vicia hirsuta and rice wine is taken orally to treat nosebleed.
3.3 Skin Health
Smashed Vicia hirsuta mixed with bittern are applied externally to treat sores and boils.
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.