1. Description:
Indigofera Pseudotinctoria (Scientific name: Indigofera pseudotinctoria Mats, Chinese: Lang Ya Cao, 狼牙草), a species of deciduous, flowering shrub in genus Indigofera (Fabaceae family). Native to East Asia, the plant can grow up to 2 meter. The root, stem and leaves of Indigofera Pseudotinctoria act as hemostatic, antipruritic and detoxicant in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) used in treating diseases including hematuria, bug bites and certain skin infections.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
Indigofera Pseudotinctoria is considered to have bitter, neutral and non-toxic properties and to be associated with the lung and liver meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Indigofera Pseudotinctoria & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Cold And Flu
A decoction of indigofera pseudotinctoria is taken orally to treat colds and coughing.
3.2 Bleeding Stopping
The stem and leaves of indigofera pseudotinctoria is smashed to heal knife wounds.
3.3 Snake Bites
Ointment made with root or leaves of indigofera pseudotinctoria and lard oil is used externally to treat snake bites.
3.4 The Excretory System
A mixture of dried indigofera pseudotinctoria, clam powder (fried), sophora flower and Chinese gall leaven are powdered and taken orally with rice washing water to treat hematuria (presence of blood or red blood cells in the urine).
3.5 Digestive System
Pills made with indigofera pseudotinctoria and honey is taken on an empty stomach to treat tapeworm infestations.
3.6 Gynecologic Diseases and Disorders
A decoction of cnidium monnieri seeds and indigofera pseudotinctoria is used externally to treat pruritus vulvae.
A decoction of indigofera pseudotinctoria is used externally to treat erosion of vulva.
3.7 Ear Health
Powdered indigofera pseudotinctoria is used externally to treat ear discharge.
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.