Herba Anoectochili
Aliases：Golden Thread Orchid、Golden Thread / Silken Thread、Golden Earring、Bird Ginseng、Golden Thread Tiger‘s Head Banana、Golden Thread Bone-Penetrating Remedy
Jinxianlian (Anoectochili Herba) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It consists of the dried whole plant of Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl. and Anoectochilus formosanus Hayata (family Orchidaceae). Anoectochilus roxburghii is found in Southwest China as well as Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan, and Guangxi provinces; Anoectochilus formosanus is distributed in Fujian and Taiwan.
Efficacy & Actions
clear heat and cool the blood, eliminate dampness and resolve toxin
Indications
It is indicated for lung heat cough, hemoptysis due to pulmonary tuberculosis, hematuria, infantile convulsion (fright wind), tetanus, nephritis with edema, rheumatic bi pain (arthralgia), and traumatic injury.
Modern Pharmacology
It has hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative effects, among others.
Ingredients
Compound categories: Primarily includes polysaccharides, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, volatile oils, and triterpenoids. Main monomeric components and their content: Kinsenoside Polysaccharide content: approximately 5.60%–6.20% Total flavonoids, alkaloids, and amino acids vary depending on geographic origin Also contains β-sitosterol, ferulic acid, oleanolic acid, rutin, quercetin, succinic acid, coumaric acid, and carotene glycosides (daucosterol), among others. Characteristic component: Kinsenoside is the signature bioactive component of Jinxianlian.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 9–15 g in decoction. External use: Appropriate amount, fresh herb crushed for topical application.
Contraindications
Not yet clear.
Selected Formulas
1. Treating rheumatic and rheumatoid arthritis Formula: 30 g of Jinxianlian (Herba Anoectochili) and 120 g of pork (must be boneless). Stew until cooked, then mix with an appropriate amount of yellow wine (huangjiu). Usage: Take 1–2 times a day, finish within 2 days. (Source: Compilation of National Chinese Herbal Medicine) 2. Treating acute infantile convulsion (fright wind) Formula: 3–9 g of Jinxianlian and 3 g of Bajiaolian (Dysosma spp. or Podophyllum hexandrum). Preparation: Decoct in water and take orally. (Source: Fujian Materia Medica)
Daily Consumption
1. Infused tea Place 3 g of dried Jinxianlian in a cup, steep in boiling water, cover, and let infuse for 10 minutes. Can be steeped repeatedly until the flavor fades. 2. Soup stewing Add Jinxianlian to a pot with pork ribs, chicken, lean pork, or other ingredients. Simmer slowly over low heat. The resulting soup is light and sweet, suitable for daily health maintenance. 3. Cold salad Fresh Jinxianlian, after thorough rinsing, can be directly made into a cold salad. It tastes slightly bitter and crisp, preserving the original flavor to the greatest extent. 4. Congee (rice porridge) Cook Jinxianlian together with rice, red dates, goji berries, or other ingredients to make a mildly sweet and refreshing health‑promoting porridge. 5. Juice Blend fresh Jinxianlian with fruits, or mix with honey, to make a beverage that promotes fluid production and skin health.
Medicinal Parts
roots, stems, and leaves
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.