1. Description:
Cockscomb (scientific name: Celosia Cristata, Chinese: Ji Guan Hua, 鸡冠花), a species of annual plant in genus Celosia (Amaranthaceae family). Native to Africa, tropical areas of the Americas, China and India, the plant can grow up to 80 cm. The flowers of cockscomb acts as discutient, antibacterial, antiphlogistic and hemostatic in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) used in treating diseases including gynecologic disorders and diarrhea.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
Cockscomb is considered to have sweet and cool properties and to be associated with the liver and large intestine meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Cockscomb & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Gynecologic Diseases and Disorders
Powdered white cockscomb is taken on an empty stomach with wine to treat red and white vaginal discharge.
Powdered red cockscomb is taken on an empty stomach with wine to heal heavy or prolonged menstrual period.
3.2 Reducing Inflammation And Relieving Pain
A decoction of wine and white cockscomb is taken orally to treat postpartum hemorrhage with blood stasis.
3.3 Bleeding Stopping
White cockscomb (repeatedly soaked in vinegar) is powdered and taken with wine to treat hematemesis.
3.4 Skin Health
A decoction of cockscomb and fruit of ailanthus altissima is used externally to treat hemorrhoids and fistula.
3.5 The Excretory System
A decoction of cockscomb and wine is taken orally to treat dysentery and severe diarrhea with mucus or blood in the feces.
Pills made with white cockscomb, radix sileris and rice paste is taken orally to treat rectal prolapse.
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.