Liu Jinu, a traditional Chinese medicine, has the effects of promoting blood circulation and relieving pain, as well as aiding digestion. It is the whole plant of the Asteraceae plant, Artemisia anomala. It can be used to treat toothache and also has analgesic properties!
Image of Liu Jinu
【Relieving Pain with Liu Jinu】
Liu Jinu can be ground into powder and applied to wounds to stop bleeding and relieve pain. (From "Ben Shi Fang")
Precautions when using Liu Jinu
It is not suitable for those with weak Qi and blood or those with weak spleen causing diarrhea.
① "Wei Sheng Yi Jian Fang": "Do not take too much, as it can cause vomiting and diarrhea."
② "Ben Cao Jing Shu": "It should not be taken by patients with weak Qi and blood or weak spleen causing diarrhea."
【The Characteristics of Liu Jinu】
Liu Jinu is a dried whole plant with flowers, measuring 60-90 cm in length. It is usually bent and has a diameter of 2-4 mm. The surface is brownish-yellow to brown, often covered with white hairs. The stem is firm and hard, with a fibrous texture and a yellowish-white color, while the center is white and loose.
The leaves are opposite, usually dry, wrinkled or fallen off. The surface is dark green, the back is grayish green, and it is covered with white hairs. The leaves are brittle and easily broken or fallen off.
The branches have flower spikes and are yellowish-brown in color. It has a fragrant smell and a mild taste. Leaves that are green, flower spikes that are yellow, and free of mold spots and impurities are considered to be of good quality.
【The Functions and Indications of Liu Jinu】
It promotes blood circulation, relieves pain, and reduces swelling. It is used to treat menstrual disorders, abdominal pain and distension, postpartum blood stasis, injuries from falls, bleeding wounds, abscesses, and edema.
① "Tang Ben Cao": "It promotes blood circulation and relieves distension."
② "Ri Hua Zi Ben Cao": "It treats abdominal pain, relieves gas and water distension, regulates women's meridians, stops dysentery and diarrhea."
③ "Kai Bao Ben Cao": "It treats bleeding wounds, stops bleeding, and relieves postpartum pain."
④ "Ben Cao Meng Quan": "It reduces swelling, treats abscesses and toxic swellings, and eliminates heat and pain."
⑤ "Gang Mu": "It is used for children with blood in their urine, to be taken as powder."
⑥ "Ben Cao Qiu Yuan": "It treats heart and Qi pain, and bleeding from ulcers."
