1. Description:
Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in), it is a species in genus clerodendrum in the subfamily Ajugoideae. The leaves and roots are antipyretic, depurative, diuretic. They have an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Bacillus dysenteriae, Meningococcus and spirochaetes. The plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) where it is called Da Qing (大青) with heat-clearing and detoxifying effect.
2. Odour & Nature:
Bitter, cold-natured.
3. Channels:
Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum functions by influencing the heart and stomach.
4. Health Benefits of Clerodendrum Cyrtophyllum & Formulas:
4.1 Skin Disorders and Problems
[Ancient Prescription]
[Ancient Prescription] A decoction of clerodendrum cyrtophyllum, licorice root and fermented soybean is taken to treat skin diseases due to a lurking pathogen present with symptoms of internal heat.
[Ancient Prescription] A decoction of clerodendrum cyrtophyllum and rhizomes of coptis chinensis is taken orally to treat mouth sores in infants.
4.2 Reducing Inflammation And Relieving Pain
[Ancient Prescription] A decoction of clerodendrum cyrtophyllum is taken internally to treat a sore throat.
[Ancient Prescription] A decoction of clerodendrum cyrtophyllum, gardenia jasminoides, rhinoceros horn and fermented soybean is used to relieve fever with headache and body rash.
[Ancient Prescription] A decoction of clerodendrum cyrtophyllum, licorice root, gedanite and fermented soybean is an treatment for fever with diarrhea.
4.3 Bleeding Stopping
[Ancient Prescription] Powdered clerodendrum cyrtophyllum is applied externally to stop bleeding.
5. Contraindication & Cautions:
People with deficiency in spleen and stomach should be cautious when taking medicine containing clerodendrum cyrtophyllum.
6. Application in Modern Medicine:
Recent studies proved that extract from clerodendrum cyrtophyllum is an effective diuretic and antimicrobial.
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.