Hyperici Japonici Herba
Aliases：Di Er Cao, Xiang Cao, Que She Cao, Qi Cun Jin, Xiao Yuan Bao Cao, Huang Hua Zai, Die Da Cao
Tianjihuang (Hyperici Japonici Herba), a Chinese medicinal, is the whole herb of Hypericum japonicum Thunb. ex Murray, a plant of the Clusiaceae (Guttiferae) family.
Efficacy & Actions
Clear heat and drain dampness, resolve toxin and reduce swelling, disperse stasis and relieve pain.
Indications
Damp‑heat jaundice, dysentery, diarrhea, sore throat, carbuncles and sores, traumatic injury, snake venom poisoning, acute and chronic hepatitis, early‑stage cirrhosis, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly.
Modern Pharmacology
Hepatoprotective: Tianjihuang extract protects against chemical‑induced liver injury, lowers transaminase levels, and promotes hepatocyte regeneration. Anti‑inflammatory: Inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators and reduces inflammatory responses. Antibacterial and antiviral: Inhibits Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysenteriae, hepatitis viruses, etc. Antitumor: Inhibits certain tumor cells. Antioxidant: Scavenges free radicals. Choleretic: Promotes bile secretion. Analgesic: Relieves pain caused by traumatic injury.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: Quercetin, isoquercitrin, hyperoside, rutin, hyperin, etc. Phloroglucinols: Japonicine A, B, C, D, etc. Volatile oils: Various terpenoids. Others: Tannins, phenolics, organic acids, polysaccharides, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 15–30 g in decoction (30–60 g for fresh herb); or crushed for fresh juice. External use: Appropriate amount, fresh herb crushed and applied topically to the affected area, or decocted for washing.
Contraindications
Contraindicated populations: Use with caution in cases of spleen‑stomach deficiency cold. Precautions for use: Use with caution during pregnancy; avoid excessive use. Adverse reactions: Safe at conventional doses; occasional gastrointestinal discomfort may occur.
Selected Formulas
1. For hepatitis – from Fujian Materia Medica Take 30 g each of fresh Diercao and fresh Fengweicao (Pteris multifida), plus 6 red dates. Decoct in water and drink twice daily. 2. For acute jaundice hepatitis – from Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica (1979) Take 30 g each of Diercao, Jinqiancao (Lysimachia herb), Pugongying (dandelion), and Banlangen (Isatis root). Decoct in water and drink. 3. For enteritis – from Zhejiang Medicinal Plant Flora Take 45 g of fresh Diercao and 30 g of fresh Fengweicao. Decoct in equal parts of water and wine, then drink. 4. For acute nephritis – from Fujian Materia Medica Formula 1: 60 g fresh Diercao with 10 red dates, decoct and drink. Formula 2: 3–9 g Diercao, ground into powder, stir‑fried with eggs and eaten. 5. For acute simple appendicitis – from National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine Take 15 g each of Diercao and Banbianlian (Lobelia herb), 9 g each of Zelan (Lycopus herb) and Qingmuxiang (aristolochia root), and 30 g of Pugongying. Decoct and drink. 6. For carbuncles and sores – from Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica (1979) Take equal amounts of Diercao and Furonghuaye (Hibiscus leaf). Grind into fine powder, mix with wine into a paste, and apply externally. 7. For felon (whitlow, finger infection) – from Fujian Materia Medica Formula 1: Crush fresh Diercao to extract 1 cup of juice, mix with half a cup of sesame oil, warm gently, and apply to the affected area. Formula 2: Crush fresh Diercao to obtain 60–90 mL of juice, add a little wine, warm, and drink. 8. For eczema and ulcers – from Anhui Chinese Herbal Medicine Take an appropriate amount of Diercao, decoct in water, and use the liquid to wash the affected area. 9. For stomatitis (oral inflammation) – from Chinese Herbal Medicine (Southern Medicine) Take 30 g of fresh Diercao, crush to extract the juice, soak gauze in the juice, and wipe the oral cavity 1–2 times daily. Adults may use as a mouthwash. 10. For gum erosion after exanthematous diseases – from Hunan Materia Medica Take 15–20 g of Diercao, crush to extract the juice, mix with human milk, and apply to the affected area. 11. For acute conjunctivitis – from National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine Take 30–60 g of Diercao, decoct in water, and use the warm liquid to fumigate and wash the affected eye three times daily. 12. For snake venom poisoning – from Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica (1979) Take equal amounts of Diercao, Guazijin (Polygala japonica), and Yizhijian (a local herb). Grind into fine powder and sprinkle over the bite wound. ⚠️ Safety note: Snake venom poisoning is a medical emergency. Seek immediate hospital care; this external application is only an adjunct. 13. For traumatic injuries with swelling and pain – from Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica (1979) Take 30 g each of Diercao and Jiegumu (Sambucus williamsii). Decoct in water, add a little wine, and drink. 14. For postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis – from Anhui Chinese Herbal Medicine Take 30 g of Diercao, 9 g of stir‑fried Shanzha (hawthorn), 6 g of Honghua (safflower), 3 g of Chuanxiong (Szechwan lovage), and 1.5 g of Paojiang (processed ginger). Decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
1. Tianjihuang Lean Pork Soup Ingredients: 30 g dried Tianjihuang (or 60 g fresh), 100 g lean pork. Preparation: Stew together for 1 hour. Drink the soup and eat the pork. Indication: For damp‑heat jaundice, acute and chronic hepatitis. 2. Tianjihuang Tea Ingredients: 15 g dried Tianjihuang. Preparation: Steep in boiling water and drink as tea. Indication: For sore throat, damp‑heat diarrhea and dysentery.
Medicinal Parts
whole herb
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from mold.