The efficacy and function of Ruiliancao

Many people are not very clear about the effects and functions of the traditional Chinese medicine Ruiliancao. Let’s take a look below.

【English Name】 all-grass of Annual Saltmarsh Aster

[Other names] White chrysanthemum, Bupleurum chinense, Nine Dragon Arrow, Aster tataricum

[Source] Medicinal material source: the whole herb of Aster tataricus of the Asteraceae family.

[Original form] Aster tataricus, annual herb, 25-80cm tall. The base of the stem is slightly red and has branches above. Leaves are alternate and sessile; leaves at the base are oblanceolate and fall off during anthesis; leaves in the middle are linear-lanceolate, 6-10cm long, 0.5-1cm wide, pointed or obtuse at the apex, entire, and leaves at the upper part are gradually narrowed and linear. The inflorescence is terminal and arranged in a panicle; the involucre is bell-shaped; the involucre has 3-4 layers, the outer layer is shorter, the inner layer is longer, linear-subulate, glabrous, green on the back, and slightly red at the tip; the ligulate flowers are narrow, small, and red; the tubular flowers are numerous and shorter than the pappus. Achenes slightly hairy. Flowering period is from September to November.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in moist saline soil and other places.

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【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; sour; cool

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and detoxifies. Mainly used for carbuncle and eczema

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 10-30g. For external use: take appropriate amount and mash it for application.

[Discussions by various scholars] "Xinhua Compendium of Materia Medica": The whole plant: tastes bitter, sour, and cool in nature. It has the functions of clearing away heat, detoxifying and promoting dampness removal. Used for eczema.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The above describes some ways to eat Ruiliancao. Although many medicinal herbs can be eaten, we must remind everyone that Chinese medicines generally cannot be taken indiscriminately and should be used according to your own situation.