Phlomis umbrosa var. australis
Aliases：Xī Xiān Cǎo (literally "Siegesbeckia Grass"), Shān Gān Cǎo (literally "Mountain Licorice"), Dà Hēi Lǐ Fèi Sàn (literally "Big Black Lung‑Regulating Powder"), Tǔ Xuán Shēn (literally "Earth Figwort"), Xī Xiān Cǎo (literally "Siegesbeckia Grass" — alternative name), Bái Shēng Má (literally "White Cimicifuga"), and Dēng Lóng Dà Qín Jiāo (literally "Lantern Gentiana macrophylla"). (These are all alternative names for Niú Wáng Fèi Jīn Cǎo, i.e., Phlomis umbrosa var. australis.)
Niú Wáng Fèi Jīn Cǎo is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the entire plant with roots of Phlomis umbrosa Turcz. var. australis Hemsl., a plant belonging to the family Labiatae. It commonly grows on slopes, in thickets and grasslands, as well as beside ditches at altitudes of 1,600–3,200 meters. It is recorded in Zhonghua Bencao (Chinese Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels wind and relieves cough; activates blood and unblocks collaterals; detoxifies and reduces swelling.
Indications
Common cold, cough. Rheumatic arthralgia, weakness of the lower back and knees. Traumatic injuries, bruises, and fractures. Carbuncles, boils, and toxic swellings.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 6–12 g. For topical application: appropriate amount, mashed and applied to the affected area.
Selected Formulas
For liver-kidney deficiency with lower back and knee soreness (empirical formula) Take 12g each of Nanfang Caosu (a local herb), Sangjisheng (Taxillus chinensis), Duzhong (Eucommia ulmoides), Gouji (Cibotium barometz), and Niuxi (Achyranthes bidentata). Decoct in water and drink. For fractures and tendon injuries (empirical formula) Take 12g each of Nanfang Caosu, Danggui (Angelica sinensis), and Gusuibu (Drynaria fortunei), plus 3g of Honghua (Carthamus tinctorius). Decoct in water and drink.
Medicinal Parts
The entire plant with roots.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
