Pedicularis chenocephala Diels
Aliases：Yā Shǒu Mǎ Xiān Hāo (literally "Duck‑Head Pedicularis") and Zàng Yā Shǒu Mǎ Xiān Hāo (literally "Tibetan Duck‑Head Pedicularis"). (These are alternative names for É Shǒu Mǎ Xiān Hāo, i.e., Pedicularis chenocephala / Pedicularis chenocephala Flower.)
É Shǒu Mǎ Xiān Hāo (Pedicularis chenocephala Flower) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried flower of Pedicularis chenocephala Diels, a plant belonging to the family Orobanchaceae. It is recorded in Xizang Changyong Zhongcaoyao (Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Medicines of Tibet).
Efficacy & Actions
Promotes diuresis, relieves wheezing, nourishes Yin, and alleviates pain.
Indications
Edema, scanty urine, wheezing, malnutrition, and stabbing pain caused by osteomyelitis.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern research has shown that Pedicularis chenocephala Flower contains flavonoids, triterpenoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and other components. It exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic, antitussive, expectorant, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, and antitumor effects. The flavonoids (such as apigenin and genkwanin) and terpenoids (such as ursolic acid and amyrin) it contains have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Pharmacological studies on the genus Pedicularis have demonstrated antioxidant, antitumor, anti-fatigue, DNA repair, and hypoglycemic effects.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: Apigenin, genkwanin, etc. Triterpenoids: Ursolic acid, amyrin, etc. Phenolic acids. Alkaloids.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 15–30 g; or 0.5–1 qian (approximately 1.5–3 g). May also be made into pills or powders.
Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with Spleen‑Stomach deficiency‑cold. As this herb is warm in nature, use with caution in patients with Yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity. It should be used under the guidance of a physician.
Selected Formulas
For edema (empirical formula) Take 30g each of Eshou Maxianhao (Pedicularis anas, a local herb) and Cheqiancao (Plantago asiatica). Decoct in water and drink. For scanty urine (empirical formula) Take 30g each of Eshou Maxianhao and Cheqiancao. Decoct in water and drink. For wheezing (empirical formula) Take 30g each of Eshou Maxianhao and Baimaogen (Imperata cylindrica rhizome). Decoct in water and drink. For malnutrition (empirical formula) Take 30g each of Eshou Maxianhao and Baimaogen. Decoct in water and drink.
Medicinal Parts
It is the dried flower of Pedicularis chenocephala Diels, a plant belonging to the family Orobanchaceae (or Scrophulariaceae in some classifications).
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
