Bitter Sow Thistle Flower and Seed
Kǔ Cài Huā Zǐ (Bitter Sow Thistle Flower and Seed) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the flower and seed of Sonchus oleraceus L., a plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It commonly grows in fields, mountains, and roadsides. It is recorded in Wang Ying's Shiwu Bencao (Food Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Supplements the heart and calms the mind, benefits the liver and removes jaundice.
Indications
Restlessness of the mind, palpitations and shortness of breath, and poor sleep. Acute icteric hepatitis. Removes internal heat and calms the mind.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: 3–6 g, ground into powder and decocted in water for oral use.
Selected Formulas
For jaundice (Chinese Floral Diet and Floral Therapy) Take 7g of Kucaihua (Sonchus oleraceus flower) and its seeds, grind into powder, decoct in water and drink. For jaundice (Wang Ying, Shiwu Bencao) Take 2 qian of Lianhuazi (a local herb), grind into fine powder, decoct in water and drink, twice daily.
Medicinal Parts
It is the flower and seed of Sonchus oleraceus L., a plant belonging to the family Asteraceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
