1. Description:
Selliguea griffithiana (scientific name: Selliguea griffithiana (Hook.) comb. ined., also known as Phymatopsis griffithiana, Chinese Pinyin: Jin Xing Cao, Simplified Chinese: 金星草, 金钏草, 大金星凤尾, 凤尾草, 七星草), is a species of herbaceous fern in genus Selliguea (botanical Polypodiaceae family). Found on damp places, rocks and tree trunks and native to Asia, the plant can grow up to 45 cm tall. Selliguea griffithiana is used as heat-clearing drug and detoxicant in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as hematochezia (blood in stool).
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
Selliguea griffithiana is considered to have bitter, cold and nontoxic properties and to be associated with the heart, large intestine, small intestine and spleen meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Selliguea Griffithiana & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Hair Growing
Smashed Selliguea griffithiana root mixed with sesame oil is applied externally to help grow hair.
3.2 Reducing Inflammation, Swelling And Relieving Pain
Smashed Selliguea griffithiana can be applied externally to stop malignant sores at the beginning stages.
3.3 Skin Health
A decoction of Selliguea griffithiana and wine is taken orally to treat ulcers.
3.4 Hematochezia
A decoction of Selliguea griffithiana can be taken internally to treat hematochezia (blood in stool).
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.