The Medicinal and Ornamental Value of Chishang San: A Traditional Chinese Herb

December 19, 2023

Chishang San, as a traditional Chinese medicine, is the whole herb of the Polygonaceae plant Polygonum multiflorum or Polygonum viviparum, which has the effects of clearing heat, detoxification, promoting blood circulation, and reducing swelling. Let's learn more about Chishang San together with the editor of Traditional Chinese Medicine Network!

Chishang San

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Chishang San has the effects of clearing heat, detoxification, promoting blood circulation, and reducing swelling. It is mainly used to treat dysentery, leukorrhea, headache due to blood heat, excessive menstruation, amenorrhea, breast abscess, and injuries. It should be avoided by those with weak Qi and exterior deficiency; those with stagnant Qi should eat less, as excessive consumption may lead to menstrual irregularities in women; pregnant women should use it with caution, as it may cause fetal malformation during pregnancy.

Chishang San, a plant of the Polygonaceae family, is a perennial herbaceous plant that forms clusters. It has a head-like inflorescence, and it prefers light but can tolerate shade. It is also resistant to cold and poor soil conditions.

Chishang San is not only used as ground cover, but also creatively used in many modern Chinese-style gardens to enhance the Chinese charm.

The flowers and leaves of Chishang San also have some unique markings. In spring, the young branches, petioles, and leaf veins are all purple-red in color, while the mature leaves in summer are green with rust-red spots in the center and light purple-red edges.

In addition to its color, the most distinctive feature of Chishang San is that it has a pair of round ears at the base of the leaves, with purple-black markings on top.

Chishang San

Chishang San is often a wild plant, similar to another Polygonaceae plant called Huo Tan Mu. However, in recent years, Chishang San has been more commonly used in gardens.

Biological characteristics of Chishang San: It prefers shade and moisture and can tolerate cold conditions. It grows best in loose, fertile, and well-drained soil.

1. "Compilation of Folk Common Herbs": "Clears heat from the three burners. Treats dizziness."

2. "Hunan Materia Medica": "Has analgesic properties."

3. "Practical Selection of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Guangxi": "Reduces swelling and detoxifies. Treats snake bites, abscesses, unknown swelling and toxins, and mastitis."

4. "Commonly Used Traditional Chinese Medicine in Sichuan": "Clears heat, promotes blood circulation. Treats internal injuries, headaches and dizziness due to blood heat, excessive bleeding, amenorrhea, cough due to deficiency fire, dysentery, abscesses, and ulcers."

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