The name of the medicinal herb "Three Needles" is very unique. Many people might think that it looks like needles based on its name. In fact, the appearance of Three Needles does resemble needles to some extent, but its fruits are like goji berries, small and round. Its medicinal value should not be underestimated.
Image of Three Needles
【The Efficacy and Functions of Three Needles】
1. Clearing heat and promoting diuresis
Used for jaundice, dysentery, sore throat, hot and painful urination, eczema, and fever caused by dampness.
2. Clearing liver and improving eyesight
Three Needles can be used for liver fire rising, red and swollen eyes, excessive tearing, restlessness, bitter taste in the mouth, yellow tongue coating, and rapid pulse.
3. Dispelling stasis and reducing swelling
Used for initial injuries, blood stasis, poor blood circulation, local redness, swelling and pain. It is suitable for those with blood heat and stasis.
Image of Three Needles
【Identification of Three Needles】
Three Needles are the root bark or stem bark of berberine plants such as Berberis vulgaris and Mahonia bealei. The root bark can be harvested all year round, while the stem bark is harvested in spring and autumn. The outer skin is scraped off from the stems and branches, and the deep yellow inner bark is peeled and dried.
Three Needles are cylindrical with a slight curve, and they have a few branches. They vary in length, thickness, and surface color, which is grayish-brown with fine wrinkles. The cork layer is easy to peel off, and the texture is hard and not easy to break. The broken surface is fibrous, and it is fresh yellow. The cut surface is nearly circular or elongated with a slightly radiating texture. The marrow is small, yellowish-white, with a slight smell and a bitter taste. It is considered better if the color is yellow and the bitterness is strong.
Image of Three Needles
【Combination and Usage of Three Needles】
Combining with gardenia: The two herbs work together to clear heat and promote diuresis, and reduce jaundice. Gardenia can also relieve constipation, while Three Needles can promote urination, effectively eliminating dampness and heat from the body. This combination is especially effective in treating jaundice.
Combining with coptis: Coptis has a strong bitter and cold property, making it a specialized herb for clearing heat and drying dampness. Although Three Needles are not as bitter and cold as coptis, they can cool the blood and eliminate heat toxins. When combined, they are more effective in treating dysentery, clearing heat and dampness, and cooling the blood.
Combining with peppermint: Peppermint has a fragrant smell that rises upwards, and it can clear wind-heat and benefit the throat. Three Needles have a bitter, cold, and cooling property, which can relieve the fire in the upper digestive system and cool the blood to reduce swelling. When used together, they both target the lung meridian, clearing the lungs, benefiting the throat, and resolving toxic heat, greatly enhancing the efficacy.
