Herba Moslae Cavaleriei
Aliases：Xiao Ye Bu Hong; Xing Se Cao; Jia Jie Lan; Du Xing Qian Li; Ye Xiang Ru; Jiu Ping Cao; Fei Zi Cao.
Qixingjian is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the whole plant of Mosla cavaleriei Lévl., a plant in the family Lamiaceae (Labiatae). It grows on hillside grasslands, under open forests, or in valley areas at elevations of 700–1,600 meters. It is recorded in Essential Materia Medica for Raw Herbs, Original Sources of Materia Medica, Lingnan Herbal Medicine, National Compendium of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chinese Materia Medica, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Induces sweating and relieves summer-heat; drains Dampness and removes toxin; relieves itching; neutralizes snake venom.
Indications
Common cold; summer-heat stroke; vomiting; diarrhea; edema; eczema; sores, ulcers, and toxic swellings; herpes zoster; deep-rooted cold abscess and scrofula; traumatic injuries and pain; venomous snake bites.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti-leptospiral effect: This herb exhibits a marked inhibitory effect against Leptospira. Antibacterial effect: It inhibits Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, β-hemolytic Streptococcus, and others. Excitatory effect on the cerebral cortex and medulla oblongata: Mosla cavaleriei exerts an excitatory effect on the cerebral cortex and medulla oblongata and promotes sweating.
Ingredients
The whole plant of Cavalerie Mosla contains essential oil as the principal active constituent. The main components of the essential oil include: Monoterpenoids: perillaldehyde (content up to approximately 70%), limonene, and myrtenal. Sesquiterpenoids: β-caryophyllene, β-bisabolene, and α-humulene. Others: perillyl alcohol, among others. Note: The composition and content of the essential oil of Cavalerie Mosla may vary depending on the place of origin and harvest time. Approximately 30 compounds have been identified in the essential oil of Mosla cavaleriei from Vietnam, with the major components being β-caryophyllene (20.3%), β-bisabolene (15%), and α-humulene (10%).
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 9–15 g; or fresh material pounded to extract the juice. External use: Appropriate amount. Fresh material is pounded and applied topically; or dried material is decocted in water for washing.
Contraindications
Use with caution in individuals with Yin deficiency and internal Heat. Cavalerie Mosla is pungent and warm in nature and tends to aggravate Heat. Individuals with Yin deficiency and internal Heat may experience worsening of internal Heat patterns after taking it. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use this product under the guidance of a physician. Not suitable for long-term or high-dose use.
Selected Formulas
For bites by rabid dogs, venomous snakes, and poisonous creatures, even when the patient still has breath despite apparent death (Bencao Qiuyuan) Take Qixingjian, extract the juice, and administer orally. For snake-like skin lesions with red color all over the body (Lingnan Caicai Lu) Take Qixingjian and cook with chicken, then eat. For “snake” sores (herpes zoster, lymphangitis, felon) with severe itching and pain (Lingnan Herbal Medicine Records) Take an appropriate amount of fine-leaf Qixingjian, decoct in water to soak and wash the affected area; additionally decoct an appropriate amount and take orally. For chronic skin eczema with itching (Lingnan Herbal Medicine Records) Take an appropriate amount of Qixingjian, decoct in water and wash. For wind-phlegm sores (multiple abscesses) (Lingnan Herbal Medicine Records) Take an appropriate amount of Qixingjian, crush and mix with wine, bring to a boil, and when warm apply to the affected area and take an appropriate amount orally. For snake bites (Guangxi Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take fresh Yexiangru, crush and apply externally. For early-stage furuncles with chills and fever, nausea and vomiting, limb numbness, severe itching and pain, restlessness, or even unconsciousness (Waike Zhengzong, Vol. 2, Qixingjian Tang) Take 9g each of Yeju (tender tips), Canger tou, Xixiancao, Banzhilian, and Didingcao; 3g of Mahuang; and 6g of Caoheche. Add 500ml of good wine, decoct to 250ml, remove the residue, and take hot. Cover with a blanket to induce sweating.
Daily Consumption
Qixingjian Wine: Take 15 g of dried Cavalerie Mosla (or 30 g of fresh material), add one bowl of water, and bring to a brief boil. Then add one cup of rice wine or Sanhua rice wine, and bring to a brief boil again (do not decoct for a long time). Strain off the residue and allow the liquid to cool to warm for later use. Cavalerie Mosla Cooked with Chicken: A folk remedy used to treat a condition characterized by snake-like, red eruptions over the body (recorded in Lingnan Materia Medica).
Medicinal Parts
Whole plant.
Selection & Storage
Dried material should be stored in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture and insect damage. Airtight storage is recommended. Avoid direct sunlight. Fresh material should be used promptly or refrigerated for short-term storage.
