The whole herb of the chrysanthemum family plant, Rubia cordifolia L., is called Rubia cordifolia. It is distributed in Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, and other places. It has the effects of clearing heat, stopping cough, dispersing stasis, and stopping bleeding. It is commonly used for cold headaches, lung heat cough, and external bleeding.
【Habitat Distribution】
It grows in subalpine slopes, grasslands, and shrubs at an altitude of 2000-3400m. It is distributed in Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, and other places.
【Morphological Characteristics】
The material is wrinkled and compact, and after unfolding, it forms a head-like inflorescence clustered into an umbrella-like shape, with a soft texture. The flower stalks are densely covered with gray-white hairs. The involucre is bell-shaped, with several layers. The upper part of the involucre is milky white, the lower part is light brown, and it has a dry membranous texture. The corolla hairs are white and coarse. It has a clear fragrance and a slightly bitter taste.
【Pharmacological Actions】
1. Anticancer effect;
2. Cardiovascular protection;
3. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, and hepatoprotective effects.
【Compatibility and Application】
1. For the treatment of cold headaches, body heaviness and weakness, joint pain, loss of appetite, and acid regurgitation: Take an appropriate amount of Rubia cordifolia, grind it into powder, take 3g each time, twice a day. (Gansu Herbal Medicine Manual)
2. For the treatment of blood stasis masses: Take 15g of Artemisia argyi, 9g of Carthamus tinctorius, and 6g of Illicium verum. Decoct and take orally.
3. For the treatment of liver hyperactivity: Take 15g of Artemisia argyi, 12g of Prunella vulgaris, 9g of Chrysanthemum indicum, and 9g of Paeonia lactiflora. Decoct and take orally.
4. For the treatment of lung heat cough: Take 15g of Artemisia argyi, 12g of Adenophora tetraphylla, and 6g of Fritillaria cirrhosa. Decoct and take orally.
5. For the treatment of traumatic bleeding: Take an appropriate amount of Artemisia argyi. Grind it into a fine powder and apply it to the affected area. (Recipes 2-5 are from the Qinghai Common Chinese Herbal Medicine Manual)
