Tianpengcao, also known as Stellaria uliginosa Murr., is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the whole plant of the Caryophyllaceae plant Stellaria uliginosa Murr. [S. alsine Grimm.]. It is distributed in Northeast China, East China, Central China, Southwest China, Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, and other regions. It has the effects of dispelling wind and dampness, promoting blood circulation and reducing swelling, detoxification and stopping bleeding. It is commonly used for common cold, diarrhea, dysentery, rheumatoid arthritis, bruises, fractures, abscesses, hemorrhoids, snake bites, vomiting blood, nosebleeds, and external bleeding.
The original form is a perennial herbaceous plant, 15-30cm tall. The stem is slender, clustered, lying flat at the base, and sparsely branched at the top, green or with a purple hue. The leaves are opposite, sessile, oblong or lanceolate, 5-20mm long, 2-3mm wide, gradually pointed at the tip, gradually narrow at the base, with entire or shallowly wavy margins, and hairless on both sides. The inflorescence is umbel-like, terminal or axillary; the flower stalk is thin and long like a thread; the bracts and bracteoles are relatively small; the sepals are lanceolate, pointed at the tip, with membranous margins and smooth surfaces; the petals are white, equal to or slightly shorter than the sepals, deeply divided into two lobes; there are five stamens; the ovary is ovoid, with 2-3 styles. The capsule is slightly longer than the persistent sepals, and splits into six segments when mature, containing numerous seeds. The seeds are kidney-shaped, brown, and have wrinkled surfaces. It flowers from April to November and fruits from June to December.
Habitat and ecological environment: It grows in fields, stream banks, or wet areas.
Distribution: It is distributed in Northeast China, East China, Central China, Southwest China, Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, and other regions.
Morphological characteristics: The whole plant is 15-30cm long and dirty green in color. The leaves are opposite, with complete leaf blades that are oblong or lanceolate, 5-20mm long, 2-3mm wide, gradually pointed at the tip, and have entire or shallow wavy margins. The umbel-like inflorescence is terminal or axillary; the sepals are lanceolate, pointed at the tip, and smooth; the petals are white and deeply divided into two lobes; there are five stamens; the styles are 2-3. The capsule is slightly longer than the persistent sepals and splits into six segments when mature. It has a weak odor and a mild taste.
1. "Gangmu Shi Yi": Used as a treatment for hemorrhoids.
2. "Fujian Folk Herbal Medicine": It dispels wind, dispels cold, induces sweating, and relieves surface symptoms. Compound formula ① for treating common cold: 2 liang of Tianpengcao and half liang of brown sugar. Decoction in water, taken twice a day. After taking the medicine, cover yourself with a blanket until you sweat slightly. ("Fujian Folk Herbal Medicine")
② for treating cold dysentery: 2 liang of Tianpengcao, decocted in water, taken twice a day. ("Fujian Folk Herbal Medicine")
③ for treating hemorrhoids: Crushed Xuelihua, mix with sesame oil and apply it to the affected area once or twice a day until the hemorrhoids shrink. ("Gangmu Shi Yi")
④ for treating boils: Take an appropriate amount of fresh Tianpengcao, add a little salt, mash it into a paste, and apply it to the affected area.
⑤ for treating bruises: 1 liang of Tianpengcao, 2-4 liang of yellow wine, and a suitable amount of water, decocted and taken orally.
⑥ for treating snake bites: 1-2 liang of Tianpengcao, decocted in water and taken orally. Another handful of Tianpengcao, washed and mashed, applied to the wound. (Formulas ④ to ⑥ are from "Fujian Folk Herbal Medicine")
