Murdannia nudiflora（L.）Brenan
Aliases：Dì Jiǔ Cài, Tiān Máng Zhēn, Dì Lán Huā, Yā Shé Tóu, Dì Tán Huā, Shān Hǎi Dài, Hóng Máo Cǎo, Zhú Yè Cǎo, Bǎi Rì Shài, Ròu Cǎo, Qī Yuè Yī Zhī Huā, Xiǎo Hào Jī Shé Huáng, Xì Zhú Ké Cài, Xuè Jiàn Chóu, Hóng Zhú Ké Cài, Xì Zhú Tián, Jī Shé Cǎo.
Hóng Máo Cǎo is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried whole plant of Murdannia nudiflora (L.) Brenan, a plant belonging to the genus Murdannia of the family Commelinaceae. This plant is a perennial weak herb, 5–30 cm tall, with well-developed fibrous roots. The stems are clustered, creeping, fleshy, and produce adventitious roots at the nodes. It is commonly found by streams, near water, and under forests at altitudes of 200–1600 m.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears lung heat, cools the blood, and detoxifies. In addition, it also has the effects of resolving phlegm, clearing fire, reducing swellings and eliminating toxins, stopping bleeding, and clearing heat and promoting diuresis.
Indications
Indicated for lung-heat cough, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), hematemesis (vomiting blood), sore throat, red and painful eyes, and sores and toxic swellings. It may also be used for tonsillitis, pharyngitis, acute enteritis, breast abscess (mastitis), lung abscess, undefined toxic swellings, postpartum weakness, and pediatric penile edema.
Modern Pharmacology
Heat-clearing and detoxifying: Its active components can inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses in the body, alleviating symptoms such as fever and headache caused by infections. Diuretic and anti-edema: Has a diuretic effect, promoting the excretion of excess fluid from the body, and may help relieve edema associated with nephritis, cirrhosis, and other conditions. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory: Contains various active components with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, this herb also has hemostatic, anti-diarrheal, and blood-activating and detoxifying effects.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 15–30 g; for strong doses, up to 60 g may be used; or crush and extract the juice. For external use: apply an appropriate amount of fresh herb, crushed and applied topically.
Selected Formulas
For hematemesis due to lung heat (Chongqing Herbal Medicine) Take 15g of Hongmaocao (Lysimachia capillipes) (60g if fresh), 60g each of Guanyincao (a local herb), Cebaiye (Platycladus orientalis leaf), Xiheliu (Tamarix chinensis), and brown sugar. Decoct in water and drink. For consumptive cough with hematemesis (Chongqing Herbal Medicine) Take 60g each of Hongmaocao, Oujie (lotus node), Ceergen (Houttuynia cordata, dried), Tubajigen (a local herb), and Yangquehuagen (a local herb). Decoct in water, add Baicaoshuang (soot from the bottom of a cooking pot), and drink; or stew with meat and consume.
Medicinal Parts
Dried whole plant.
Selection & Storage
Store in a ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture.
