Campsis Flos
Aliases：Ziwei Hua, Duotai Hua, Jihua, Tengluo Hua
Lingxiaohua (Campsis Flos), a Chinese medicinal, is the dried flower of Campsis grandiflora (Thunb.) K. Schum. or Campsis radicans (L.) Seem., plants of the Bignoniaceae family (genus Campsis).
Efficacy & Actions
Activate blood and unblock meridians, cool the blood and dispel wind, resolve toxin and reduce swelling.
Indications
Amenorrhea due to blood stasis, abdominal masses (zhengjia), traumatic injury, rheumatic arthralgia, urticaria with pruritus, acne, hematochezia, flooding and spotting (metrorrhagia).
Modern Pharmacology
Anti‑inflammatory: Inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators. Analgesic: Relieves pain. Antithrombotic: Inhibits platelet aggregation and prolongs clotting time. Antitumor: Inhibits certain tumor cells. Antioxidant: Scavenges free radicals. Uterine stimulation: Excites uterine smooth muscle (contraindicated in pregnancy).
Ingredients
Triterpenoids: Oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, campsigenin, etc. Flavonoids: Quercetin, kaempferol, etc. Iridoid glycosides: Campsiside I, II, etc. Others: Volatile oils, sterols, alkaloids, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 5–9 g in decoction; or used in pills or powders. External use: Appropriate amount, ground into powder and applied as a paste, or decocted for washing.
Contraindications
Contraindicated populations: Contraindicated in pregnant women; avoid in cases of qi‑blood deficiency; use with caution in those with excessive menstruation. Precautions for use: Slightly toxic; avoid excessive or long‑term use. Adverse reactions: Safe at conventional doses; overdose may cause nausea and vomiting.
Selected Formulas
1. For amenorrhea due to blood stasis: Combined with Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Carthami Flos (Honghua), and Paeoniae Radix Rubra (Chishao) – as in Ziwei San. 2. For abdominal masses (zhengjia and pikuai): Combined with Trionycis Carapax (Biejia) and Moutan Cortex (Mudanpi) – as in Biejia Jian Wan. 3. For traumatic injury (external use and oral): Crush fresh herb and apply topically; or combine with Olibanum (Ruxiang) and Myrrha (Moyao). 4. For generalized pruritus: Use alone, mixed with wine and taken orally; or combine with Rehmanniae Radix (Shengdi), Moutan Cortex (Mudanpi), and Tribuli Fructus (Cijili). 5. For urticaria and tinea (fungal skin infection): Combine with Realgar (Xionghuang, toxic), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), and Arisaematis Rhizoma (Tiannanxing) for external application. (Note: Realgar is toxic; use with caution.) 6. For hematochezia and flooding/spotting due to blood heat: Use alone, ground into powder and taken orally; or combine with Sanguisorbae Radix (Diyu), Sophorae Flos (Huaihua), and Rehmanniae Radix (Shengdi).
Daily Consumption
1. Lingxiaohua Tea Ingredients: 3–5 g Lingxiaohua (Campsis Flower). Preparation: Steep in boiling water and drink as tea. Indication: For urticaria (pruritus) and acne. 2. Lingxiaohua and Pig Trotter Soup Ingredients: 9 g Lingxiaohua, 1 pig trotter. Preparation: Stew together for 1.5 hours. Indication: For insufficient lactation (breast milk deficiency) after childbirth. Note: To be used under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner (Lingxiaohua is slightly toxic and contraindicated in pregnancy).
Medicinal Parts
flower
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from mold and insects.