Laportea siuata (Bl.) Miq
Aliases：Bǎ Shǒu Tiān Mén (literally "Guardian of Heaven's Gate" — a name indicating its formidable protective power), Tiān Xià Wú Dí Shǒu (literally "Invincible Under Heaven" — referring to its powerful medicinal effects), Bù Kě Mō (literally "Do Not Touch" — warning of its stinging hairs and toxicity), Ài Má Cǎo (literally "Nettle Hemp Grass" — referring to its botanical affinity), and Yuán Chǐ Ài Má (literally "Round‑Toothed Nettle Hemp" — a synonym referring to the plant's serrated leaf margins), etc. (These are all alternative names for Lǎo Hǔ Lì, i.e., the stems and leaves of Dendrocnide sinuata / Whole-leaved Stinging Nettle.)
Lǎo Hǔ Lì is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the stems and leaves of Dendrocnide sinuata (Bl.) Chew, a plant belonging to the family Urticaceae.
Efficacy & Actions
Disperses blood stasis and reduces swelling.
Indications
It is mainly used for swelling and pain caused by traumatic injuries, as well as for fractures.
Ingredients
The stinging hairs contain formic acid and oxalic acid.
Usage & Dosage
For topical use: Take an appropriate amount of fresh tender stems and leaves, mash them, and apply externally to the affected area. For external use only. Do not take internally.
Contraindications
Toxic: The whole plant is toxic and it is strictly prohibited for internal use.
Selected Formulas
For infantile malnutrition (gan) with dyspepsia and malnutrition (empirical formula) Take the root of Zimoli (Mirabilis jalapa, also known as Yanzhihua or Rudilaoshu), grind into powder, and steam with lean pork, eggs, or fish. The usual dosage is 3-6g.
