Erodii Herba Geranii Herba
Aliases：Wu Ye Cao、Lao Guan Cao、Wu Ban Hua、Lao Guan Cao、Tian Gang Cao、Wu Ye Lian、Po Tong Qian、Lao Gua Jin、Guan Jin、Wu Chi Pa、Lao Gua Zui、An Zi Zui
Laoguancao (Geranium Herb) is a Chinese medicinal herb that dispels wind‑dampness. It is the dried aerial part of Erodium stephanianum Willd., Geranium wilfordii Maxim., or Geranium carolinianum L. (family Geraniaceae). The first species is traditionally called “long‑beaked geranium,” while the latter two are called “short‑beaked geranium.”
Efficacy & Actions
Dispel wind-dampness, unblock the meridians and collaterals, stop diarrhea and dysentery.
Indications
Rheumatic bi pain (arthralgia), numbness and spasm, soreness and pain of the sinews and bones, as well as diarrhea and dysentery.
Modern Pharmacology
This product has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-ulcer, anti-diarrheal, antioxidant, and anti-pathogenic microbial effects, among others.
Ingredients
It mainly contains flavonoids, such as hyperoside, etc., as well as tannins.
Usage & Dosage
1. Internal use: 9–15 g in decoction; or steeped in wine; or prepared as an extract (ointment). 2. External use: Appropriate amount, crushed and stir-fried with wine until hot for topical application, or made into an ointment for external use.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in cases of Spleen and Stomach deficiency cold.
Selected Formulas
1. For wind‑dampness impediment with numbness, contracture, and aching of sinews and bones Laoguancao can be used alone, steeped in wine for regular moderate consumption, or combined with Hujisheng (Viscum herb), Weilingxian (Clematis root), and Duhuo (Angelica pubescens root) – herbs that dispel wind‑dampness and unblock channels – as in Qufeng Zhitong Pian (Wind‑Dispelling Pain‑Relieving Tablets) from the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. 2. For damp‑heat diarrhea and dysentery due to heat‑toxin Laoguancao can be used alone as a decoction, or combined with Huanglian (Coptis), Baitouweng (Pulsatilla), and Qinpi (Fraxinus bark) – herbs that clear damp‑heat and stop diarrhea/dysentery.
Daily Consumption
nternal Use Tea: 3–10 g of dried herb, steep in boiling water for 10–15 minutes. Decoction: 9–15 g of dried herb, add water and decoct for 20 minutes, then take the liquid. Congee / Soup: About 10 g each time, cook with rice or meat. External Use Crush the fresh herb and apply topically to the affected area, or externally rub with medicated wine. Wine Infusion 50 g of Laoguancao, 500 ml of white liquor (baijiu), steep for 2 weeks, then drink a small cup daily (under the guidance of a physician). Precautions Contraindicated during pregnancy. Use with caution in cases of Spleen‑Stomach deficiency cold or Yin deficiency with blazing fire. Daily oral dosage: 9–15 g, no more than 3 times per week.
Medicinal Parts
dried aerial part
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry container in a cool, dry place.