Rumicis Acetosae Folium
Suān Mó Yè is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is the stem and leaf of Rumex acetosa L., a plant belonging to the family Polygonaceae. This plant is a perennial herb, reaching up to 1 meter in height. Its roots are fleshy fibrous roots, yellow in color. The stem is erect and hollow. It is commonly found by roadsides, on slopes, and in damp areas.
Efficacy & Actions
Drains heat and promotes bowel movements; promotes diuresis; cools the blood and stops bleeding; detoxifies.
Indications
Indicated for constipation, difficult urination, internal hemorrhoidal bleeding, sores and ulcers, erysipelas, scabies and tinea, eczema, and burns and scalds. It may also be used for hematemesis and hematochezia. Guizhou Folk Prescription Collection records that it is “used externally to reduce traumatic swelling, treat sores and ulcers, and treat scabies and tinea.”
Modern Pharmacology
Anticancer effects. Antibacterial effects. Anti-inflammatory effects. Antioxidant effects. Hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, and antihypertensive effects.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: Kaempferol, kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside, vitexin, hyperoside. Phenolic acids: p-Hydroxybenzoic acid, p-hydroxycinnamic acid, methyl 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpropionate, vanillic acid, isovanillic acid. Tannins: 17.3%–36.7%. Organic acids: Calcium oxalate, tartaric acid. Vitamin C: 86–108 mg%. Others: Catechin, epicatechin, proanthocyanidin B2, β-sitosterol, daucosterol.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 15–30 g. Some sources also document 9–15 g. For external use: apply an appropriate amount, crushed and applied topically; or ground into powder and mixed for application.
Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold—as this herb is cold in nature and may impair the Yang Qi of the Spleen and Stomach. Excessive consumption should be avoided, as it may cause adverse reactions such as abdominal distension, salivation, gastroenteritis, and abdominal pain. Those with Yang deficiency constitution should avoid or limit consumption.
Selected Formulas
For bleeding internal hemorrhoids (National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 30–60g of fresh Suanmo (Rumex acetosa) whole plant, crush to extract juice, mix with 30–60g of white sugar, and take orally. For skin eczema and burns/scalds (Common Chinese Herbal Medicine Formulas) Take 60g each of Suanmo whole plant and Chun gen baipi (Toona sinensis root bark), 30g each of An shu ye (eucalyptus leaf) and Dong qing ye (Ilex latifolia leaf). Grind together into fine powder, mix with oil, and apply topically.
Medicinal Parts
Dried stems and leaves.
Selection & Storage
Store in a ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture.
