1. Description:
Lobelia chinensis (scientific name: Lobelia chinensis Lour., also known as Asian lobelia, Chinese Lobelia, and Herba Lobellae Chinensis, Chinese Pinyin: Ban Bian Lian, Simplified Chinese: 半边莲, 急解索, 细米草, 半边花, 水仙花草, 镰么仔草), is a species of perennial flowering and herbaceous plant in genus Lobelia (Campanulaceae family). Endemic to east, south, southwest, and south-central China, the plant can grow up to 15 cm tall. Lobelia chinensis acts as antipyretic, detoxicant, diuretic and discutient in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) used in treating diseases and health problems including acute mastitis, jaundice and edema.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
Lobelia chinensis is considered to have pungent and neutral properties and to be associated with the heart, small intestine and lung meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Lobelia Chinensis & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Acute Mastitis
Fresh Lobelia chinensis is smashed and applied externally to treat acute mastitis.
3.2 Reducing Inflammation And Relieving Pain
Prescribed with Lysimachia christinae, rheum officinale and immature bitter orange, Lobelia chinensis can help to treat abdominal edema.
3.3 Snake Bites
Juice of Lobelia chinensis can be taken orally to treat snake bites.
3.4 Asthma
Pills made with Lobelia chinensis, realgar and cocked rice is taken on an empty stomach to treat asthma.
3.5 Antitumor
Animal experiments found out that Lobelia chinensis exhibits an anti-tumor effect by inhibiting the ascites tumor cells.
4. Contraindication, Side-effects & Cautions:
Administration with caution for people with deficiency in spleen and stomach.
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.