1. Description:
Gnaphalium affine (scientific name: Gnaphalium affine D. Don, also known as Jersey cudweed, Chinese Pinyin: Shu Qu Cao, Simplified Chinese: 鼠曲草, 米曲, 鼠耳, 佛耳草, 无心草, 香茅, 黄蒿, 茸母), is a species of annual flowering and herbaceous plant in genus Gnaphalium (Asteraceae family). Found in East Asia including temperate regions of China, Korea, Japan as well as some high altitude tropical regions of India, Nepal, and Thailand, the plant can grow up to 40 cm tall. The stem and leaves of Gnaphalium affine act as antitussive, antiasthmatic and expectorant in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) used in treating diseases and health problems including asthma, high blood pressure and bronchitis.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
The stem and leaves of Gnaphalium affine are considered to have sweet, neutral and nontoxic properties and to be associated with the lung meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Gnaphalium Affine & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Coughing With Phlegm
A decoction of Gnaphalium affine is taken to treat heat-type coughing with phlegm.
3.2 Skin Health
A decoction of Gnaphalium affine and licorice root is used externally to treat rheumatism associated with itching.
3.3 Bronchitis
A decoction of Gnaphalium affine, coltsfoot flower, almond, common hogfenneI root, the bulb of fritillary and ephedra is taken orally to treat bronchitis.
3.4 Qi stagnation
Prescribed with other herbs, Gnaphalium affine can also be used in treating qi stagnation.
5. Research And Studies:
Chemical constituents of Gnaphalium affine include 5% flavonoid glycosides, 0.05% volatile oil, trace alkaloids and sterols, 0.58% non-carrying compounds, and vitamin B, carrots, chlorophyll, resin, fat, etc. Its flower contains luteline-4-β-D-glucoside.
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.