Yunniuxi, a traditional Chinese medicine, has the effects of promoting blood circulation, diuresis, and heat-clearing and detoxifying. It is mainly used to treat lower back and knee pain, rheumatism, amenorrhea, urinary disorders, boils, and snake bites. It is also known as Kunming Earth Niu Xi, Guaixi Niu Xi, Jituncao, and Earth Niu Xi. It is distributed in Fujian, Taiwan, Hunan, Yunnan, and other places.
Source of the herb:
Yunniuxi is the root of the Amaranthaceae plant Eclipta prostrata. It is harvested in winter, with the roots and stems removed, washed, and dried.
Collection and storage:
It is collected and dried in autumn and winter, with the roots and stems removed, washed, and dried.
Dosage and administration:
Internal use: decoction, 6-10g (Yunniuxi in Pinyin)
Plant morphology of Yunniuxi:
Yunniuxi is a perennial herb. The root is cylindrical and has a yellowish appearance. The stem is erect, four-sided, with longitudinal grooves, sparsely covered with soft hairs. The stem and leaves are red, turning brown after drying. The leaves are opposite, elliptical or rectangular-ovate, 2-10 cm long and 1.5-4 cm wide. The apex is long and pointed, the base is wedge-shaped or broadly wedge-shaped, with entire margins, and both sides are densely covered with soft hairs. The petiole is 0.5-2 cm long.
The spike-like inflorescence is axillary or terminal, with flower stalks and peduncles densely covered with hairs. The flowers are small. The bracts are membranous and ovate. There are two small bracts, bent and thorn-like, with oval-shaped lobes on both sides of the base and marginal hairs. The perianth has three veins. There are five stamens, with degenerate stamens resembling eyelashes. The ovary is superior. The capsule is elongated-ovate.
Habitat and distribution:
Yunniuxi grows in the wild, along roadsides and mountains. It is distributed in Yunnan, Hunan, Fujian, and other places. It is produced in Yunnan.
