Steviae Rebaudianae Folium
Aliases：Tianjuye、Tiancha
Tianyeju (Stevia Leaf) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried leaf of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Hemsl. (family Asteraceae).
Efficacy & Actions
Promote fluid production to quench thirst, and nourish Yin to subdue Yang.
Indications
Wasting thirst disorder (Xiaoke) and dizziness.
Modern Pharmacology
Stevia extract has pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activities.
Ingredients
It mainly contains flavonoids, diterpenoids, phenolics, alkaloids, sterols, volatile oils, polysaccharides, and fatty acids, among others.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 3–10 g in decoction; or steeped in boiling water as a tea substitute.
Contraindications
Not yet established.
Selected Formulas
Prescription for Diabetes (from Chinese Herbal Medicine for Treating Diabetes) Take equal amounts of Huangjing (Polygonatum rhizome), Tianyeju (stevia leaf), Zheji (a local herb), Sangshenzi (mulberry fruit), Tianhuafen (trichosanthes root), Huaishanyao (Chinese yam), and Hongshen (red ginseng). Prepare one dose daily. Decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
ea: 1-2 dried leaves steep in boiling water. Sugar substitute: Powder or whole leaf. 1-2 leaves ≈ 1 tsp sugar. Cooking: Add 1-2 leaves to soups or desserts. Dosage: ≤3-5g/day. Excess may cause bloating, diarrhea. Caution: Pregnancy, lactation, hypotension, hypoglycemia; use carefully with antidiabetic/antihypertensive drugs.
Medicinal Parts
leaf
Selection & Storage
tore in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, protected from moisture and light.