Euonymi Alati Ramulus / Ramulis Euonymi Alati
Aliases：Wei Mao、Gui Jian、Liu Yue Ling、Si Mian Feng、Bi Ji Chai、Si Leng Shu、Shan Ji Tiao Zi、Si Mian Ji、Jian Zhong Xiao、Ma Yao
Guijianyu (Euonymi Ramulus Alatus) is a Chinese medicinal herb that breaks blood stasis and unblocks menstruation. It is derived from the winged branches or wing‑like appendages of Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold (family Celastraceae). It is distributed in Northeast China and the provinces of Hebei, Shaanxi, Gansu, Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan, Guizhou, and Yunnan.
Efficacy & Actions
Break blood and unblock the meridians, resolve toxin and reduce swelling, eliminate parasites.
Indications
It is indicated for abdominal masses (zhengjia), cardiac and abdominal pain, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, flooding and spotting (metrorrhagia and metrostaxis), postpartum stasis with abdominal pain, retained lochia, hernia, arthralgia (joint bi pain), sores and swellings, traumatic injury and pain, abdominal pain due to intestinal parasites, scald and burn, and snake venom poisoning.
Modern Pharmacology
Both water and ethanol extracts of Guijianyu (Euonymi Ramulus Alatus) exhibit a broad range of pharmacological effects. In terms of metabolic and cardiovascular actions, they lower blood glucose, regulate blood lipids, protect against myocardial ischemia, reduce blood pressure, and provide renal protection. Additionally, they possess anti‑allergic, anti‑inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. The n‑butanol fraction extract shows antitumor effects, while the total flavonoid extract prevents lipid peroxidation.
Ingredients
Guijianyu (Euonymi Alati Ramulus) contains flavonoids and their glycosides, cardiac glycosides, triterpenoids, steroids, organic acids, and other types of compounds.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 4–9 g in decoction; or steeped in wine; or used in pills or powders. External use: Appropriate amount, crushed for topical application or decocted for washing; or ground into powder and applied as a paste.
Contraindications
Guijianyu (Euonymi Alati Ramulus) contains potentially toxic components. Overdose or accidental ingestion may cause toxic reactions. Therefore, the dosage must be strictly controlled as directed by a physician.
Selected Formulas
1. For abdominal masses (from Liaoning Common Chinese Herbal Medicine Manual) Take 6 g of Euonymus twig, 9 g of Chishao (red peony root), 9 g of Honghua (safflower), and 3 g of Chimu (a local herb). Decoct in water and drink. 2. For amenorrhea and abdominal pain due to blood stasis (from Shandong Chinese Herbal Medicine Manual) Take 9 g of Guijianyu, 15 g of Danshen (Salvia root), 12 g of Chishao, 30 g of Yimucao (motherwort), and 9 g of Xiangfu (cyperus). Decoct in water and drink. 3. For menstrual irregularities (from Hunan Materia Medica) Take 15 g of Euonymus stems and branches. Decoct in water, then mix with brown sugar and drink. 4. For metrorrhagia (severe uterine bleeding) (from Northeast Medicinal Plants) Take 10 g of Euonymus, 10 g of Danggui (Angelica root), and 10 g of Gancao (licorice). Decoct in water and take in two divided doses per day. 5. For nephritis (from Henan Chinese Herbal Medicine Manual) Take 60 g of Guijianyu stem bark. Decoct in water to obtain the liquid. Use the liquid to make an egg drop soup (stir a raw egg into the hot liquid) and drink.
Daily Consumption
Decoction (Standard Use): 5-10g dried herb, soak 30 min, decoct in water for 40 min. Avoid iron utensils. Use in porridge: 5g herb with 100g rice; for blood stasis patterns, use ≤2 weeks. Tea (Short-term): 5-9g steep in boiling water. Not for long-term daily use. Wine infusion: 30g herb + Danggui + Honghua + yellow wine, steep 5 days. 10-15ml per dose (hypertensive patients & alcohol allergy forbidden). External use: Grind into powder, mix with egg white or yellow wine, apply to swollen area. Contraindications: Pregnancy, bleeding tendency, heavy menstruation, weak Qi/blood, drug interaction with anticoagulants (e.g., aspirin, warfarin). Avoid spicy foods & alcohol.
Medicinal Parts
branches with corky wings or the corky wing-like appendages
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place.