Black Grass, also known as oval leaf flower anchor, is a biennial herb. It is dried and washed in autumn. It is used for acute jaundice hepatitis, cholecystitis, gastritis, dizziness, headache, and toothache.
【Alias】 Qing yu dan, si leng cao, xiao jian zhong xiao, hua lian mao, hei er cao
【Source】 Halenia elliptica D. Don, a plant of the Gentianaceae family, is used medicinally with its roots or whole plant. It is harvested in autumn, washed and dried.
【Plant Morphology】 Oval-leaf flower anchor is a biennial herb. The stem is erect, branched, with edges, green, and 30-50 cm high.
The leaves are opposite; oblong or lanceolate, 2-2.5 cm long, blunt at the tip, rounded or broadly wedge-shaped at the base, with entire margins, and 3 main veins; there is no leaf stalk.
The umbel inflorescence is terminal and axillary, and the flower stalk is slender; the flowers are small, with a diameter of 6-7 mm, and yellow-green in color.
The calyx is 4-lobed, and the lobes are lanceolate; the corolla is bell-shaped, deeply 4-lobed to below the middle, with pits at the base of the lobes, extending into long tubes and curving upwards.
There are 4 stamens, borne near the base of the corolla; 1 pistil, with a 1-chamber ovary. The capsule is ovoid and opens from the base when ripe. There are numerous seeds. The flowering period is in autumn.
【Habitat Distribution】 It grows on sunny slopes in mountainous areas. It is distributed in southwestern and central China.
【Efficacy and Function】
Taste and Meridian Tropism: Bitter and cold.
Main Functions: Clearing heat, promoting diuresis, harmonizing the liver, and promoting bile flow. It is used for acute jaundice hepatitis, cholecystitis, gastritis, dizziness, headache, and toothache.
【Usage and Dosage】 3-5 qian (9-15 grams).
