1. Description:
Rumex japonicus (scientific name: Rumex japonicus Houtt., Chinese Pinyin: Yang Ti, Simplified Chinese: 羊蹄, 土大黄, 牛舌头, 野菠菜, 羊蹄叶, 羊皮叶子, 秃菜, 水黄芹), is a species of perennial flowering herbaceous plant in genus Rumex (botanical buckwheat family, Polygonaceae). Found in the fields, river shoal and wetlands (usually from between 0 to 3,400 meters in elevation) in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea), the plant can grow up to 100 cm tall. The root of Rumex japonicus is used as heat-clearing drugs, aperitive and hemostatic in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as gastrointestinal bleeding.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
The root of Rumex japonicus is considered to have bitter, cold and nontoxic properties and to be associated with the heart, liver and large intestine meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Rumex Japonicus & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Bleeding Stopping
Medicated wine with Rumex japonicus root and old ginger is taken orally to treat gastrointestinal bleeding.
3.2 Skin Health
Smashed Rumex japonicus root mixed with sheep bile is applied externally to treat scalp problems.
Rumex japonicus root juice mixed with calomel can be used externally to heal stubborn dermatitis.
3.3 Throat Impediment
Smashed Rumex japonicus root mixed with mature vinegar can be applied externally to treat throat impediment.
3.4 The Excretory System
A decoction of Rumex japonicus root is taken warm to treat constipation.
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.