Flameflower Root, Panicled Fameflower Root
Aliases：Cao、Tu Gaoli Shen、Jia Ren Shen、Tu Yang Shen、Tu Shen、Zi Ren Shen、Wa Keng Tou、Fu Shen、Tu Hong Shen、Fei Lai Shen
Turenshen (Flameflower Root), a Chinese medicinal, is the root of Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn., a plant of the Portulacaceae family.
Efficacy & Actions
Fortify the spleen and moisten the lung, cool the blood and calm the liver, promote fluid production and moisten the intestines, clear heat and resolve toxin.
Indications
Debility and weakness: Qi deficiency with fatigue, lack of strength, and poor appetite. Spleen‑lung weakness: Diarrhea due to spleen deficiency, consumptive cough with blood‑tinged sputum. Various consumptive patterns: Dizziness, tidal fever, night sweats, and spontaneous sweating. Gynecological disorders: Irregular menstruation and leukorrhea. Others: Insufficient lactation in postpartum women, polyuria, and traumatic injury.
Modern Pharmacology
Antioxidant: Its polysaccharides and flavonoids effectively scavenge free radicals. Anti‑inflammatory and analgesic: Inhibits various inflammatory models and exhibits certain analgesic effects. Antibacterial: Inhibits certain pathogenic microorganisms. Immunomodulatory: Its components enhance immune function. Other effects: Also shows potential in cardioprotection, blood glucose reduction, etc.
Ingredients
Polysaccharides: Glucose, arabinose, galacturonic acid, etc. Flavonoids: Mainly quercetin, kaempferol, and their glycosides. Phytosterols: β‑Sitosterol, stigmasterol, etc. Other constituents: Alkaloids, triterpenoids, organic acids, volatile oils, as well as abundant proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Usage & Dosage
1. Internal use: 30–60 g in decoction. 2. External use: Appropriate amount, crushed for topical application.
Contraindications
1. Use with caution in cases of decline of middle yang with cold-dampness encumbering the spleen. 2. During the course of medication, avoid eating sour and spicy foods, mustard greens, and strong tea.
Selected Formulas
1. For fatigue and weakness due to overwork (Fujian Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 15–30 g of Turenshen (Talinum paniculatum root), optionally with one dried cuttlefish. Simmer with equal parts of water and wine, then drink. 2. For diarrhea due to spleen deficiency (Fujian Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 15–30 g of Turenshen and 15 g of red dates. Decoct in water and drink. 3. For consumptive cough (Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica, 1960) Take Turenshen (also called Tuyangshen), Geshanqiao (a local herb), Tonghuagen (a local herb), and an appropriate amount of rock sugar. Stew with chicken and consume.
Daily Consumption
1. Cold Flameflower Root Salad Peel fresh flameflower root, tear into shreds, blanch in boiling water, then mix with vinegar, sugar, salt, and other seasonings. Action: Refreshing and appetizing; promotes digestion and stimulates the appetite. 2. Flameflower Root Pork Rib Soup After stewing pork ribs until tender, add flameflower root slices and ginger slices, and continue to simmer until the flavors are well infused. Action: Fortifies the spleen and supplements qi; nourishes and strengthens the body. 3. Stir‑fried Flameflower Leaves Wash the tender leaves, then quickly stir‑fry with shredded ginger and minced garlic until fragrant. Action: Clears heat and resolves toxin; suitable for consumption in summer.
Medicinal Parts
whole herb (tender stems and leaves, and root)
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from insects.