Thesii Herba
Aliases：Ji Yaocao、Bai Ru Cao、Di Shiliu、Cao Tan
Bairuicao (Thesii Herba) is a Chinese medicinal herb that clears heat and removes dampness. It is the dried whole plant of Thesium chinense Turcz. or its variety Thesium chinense Turcz. var. longipedunculatum Chu (family Santalaceae).
Efficacy & Actions
Promote diuresis, resolve toxin, and clear heat.
Indications
The main indications of Bairuicao (Thesii Herba) include: wind‑heat common cold, summer heatstroke, lung abscess, acute tonsillitis, tuberculous lymphadenitis, acute mastitis, boils, stranguria (urinary tract infection), jaundice, low back pain, and spermatorrhea.
Modern Pharmacology
Antibacterial: Broad‑spectrum antibacterial activity, effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella, etc.; known as a “plant antibiotic”. Anti‑inflammatory: Core effect; exerts anti‑inflammatory action by regulating the Nrf2/NF‑κB/NLRP3 pathways. Antiviral: Inhibits influenza virus, RSV, Coxsackie virus, etc.; its complex can inhibit SARS‑CoV‑2. Antitussive and expectorant: Used for acute/chronic pharyngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis. Antioxidant: Scavenges free radicals. Antitumor: Multi‑component, multi‑target inhibition of tumors; modulates the tumor microenvironment. Immunomodulatory: Enhances immune function. Renoprotective: Protective effects against adriamycin‑induced nephropathy, etc. Neuroprotective: Through anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant effects, shows potential in neurodegenerative diseases. Anti‑diarrheal: Alleviates antibiotic‑associated diarrhea by regulating the EGFR/PI3K/Akt pathway and gut microbiota. Other effects: Analgesic, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, etc.
Ingredients
Main active constituents: Flavonoids (kaempferol, bairuisu I), total alkaloids (core anti‑inflammatory components), polysaccharides, organic acids.
Usage & Dosage
1. Internal use: 9–30 g in decoction; or ground into powder, or steeped in wine. 2. External use: Appropriate amount, ground into powder and applied as a paste.
Contraindications
Use with caution in cases of Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold: This herb is cold in nature, which may harm the Spleen and Stomach. Long-term or excessive use is not recommended. Use with caution during pregnancy: Due to its cold nature and potential to activate blood circulation, use only under the guidance of a physician. Avoid long-term or excessive intake: May damage Yang qi. Allergic individuals: Use with caution; allergic reactions may occur.
Selected Formulas
1. For common cold (from Anhui Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 15–30 g of Bairuicao. Steep in boiling water and drink as tea. 2. For lobar pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, and lung abscess (from Anhui Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 30–60 g of Bairuicao. Steep in boiling water as tea, or decoct in water and drink. 3. For chronic bronchitis (from Zhenan Bencao Xinbian) Take 60 g of Bairuicao and 45 g of Jingucao (Ajuga herb). Decoct in water and take in three divided doses daily. 4. For acute tonsillitis and acute nephritis (from Anhui Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 30 g each of Bairuicao, Yazhicao (Commelina herb), and Baimaogen (Imperata root). Steep in boiling water and drink as tea. 5. For acute cholecystitis and enteritis (from Anhui Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 30 g each of Bairuicao and Yinchen (Artemisia scoparia herb). Steep in boiling water and drink as tea. 6. For snake venom poisoning (from Jiangxi Herbal Medicine Manual) Take 30 g each of fresh Bairuicao and Longyacao (Agrimonia herb). Decoct in water and drink. 7. For low back pain due to kidney deficiency (from Jiangxi Herbal Medicine Manual) Take 15 g of Bairuicao. Cook 120 g of lean pork in water to make a meat broth. Use the broth to decoct the herb. Strain and mix with yellow wine before drinking. 8. For dizziness (from Jiangxi Herbal Medicine Manual) Take 12–15 g of Bairuicao. Decoct in water, strain, and use the liquid to cook two eggs. Consume both the eggs and the liquid. 9. For internal injuries from contusions and falls (from Zhenan Bencao Xinbian) Take 15 g of Bairuicao. Steam in a double boiler, strain, and drink the liquid with a little white sugar. If the patient is unconscious, acupuncture may be applied to the Renzhong (GV26) or Yongquan (KI1) points while administering the liquid orally. 10. For metrorrhagia with abdominal pain (from Hunan Materia Medica) Take 6 g of Bairuicao and 60 g of Lizhiqiao (lychee pericarp). Decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
1. For kidney deficiency low back pain: Take 15 g of Bairuicao (Thesium chinense), decoct with 120 g of lean pork and water. After the decoction is ready, mix with a small amount of yellow wine (huangjiu) and take orally. 2. For kidney deficiency dizziness: Take 15 g of Bairuicao, decoct to obtain the liquid, then use the liquid to boil two eggs. Eat the eggs and drink the liquid.
Medicinal Parts
dried whole herb
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, protected from moisture and insects.