1. Description:
Vaccaria hispanica (scientific name: Vaccaria segetalis (Neck.) Garcke ex Asch., also known as cowherb, cowcockle, cow basil, cow soapwort, and prairie carnation, Chinese Pinyin: Wang Bu Liu Xing, Simplified Chinese:王不留行, 奶米, 王不留, 老头蓝子), is a species of annual flowering and herbaceous plant in genus Vaccaria (Caryophyllaceae family). Native to China, the seeds of Vaccaria hispanica act as discutient, diuretic, blood circulation promoter and analgesic in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) used in treating diseases and health problems including plugged ducts and mastitis in women and skin ulcers.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
The seeds of Vaccaria hispanica is considered to have bitter and neutral properties and to be associated with the liver and stomach meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Vaccaria Hispanica & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Plugged Ducts And Mastitis In Women
A decoction of Vaccaria hispanica seeds is taken orally to treat plugged ducts and mastitis in women.
3.2 Skin Health
Powdered Vaccaria hispanica seeds and Angelica root can be used externally to treat scalp problems.
A decoction of Vaccaria hispanica seeds, peach twig, cornus root, cornus bark, Cnidium monnieri seeds, Vitex negundo seeds, Pleioblastus Amarus leaves and hempseed can be used externally to treat skin ulcers.
4. Contraindication, Side-effects & Cautions:
Administration with caution for pregnant women.
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.