Chinese Lovage Rhizome is a type of medicinal herb that promotes blood circulation. It is distributed throughout China and has the effects of regulating menstruation, invigorating the spleen, promoting diuresis, and detoxifying. It is commonly used for irregular menstruation, insufficient lactation, pediatric malnutrition, spleen deficiency edema, and carbuncle and swelling.
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Characteristics of Chinese Lovage Rhizome
Chinese Lovage Rhizome is an annual or biennial herb that can grow up to 20-80 cm tall. The entire plant is densely covered with short, soft hairs. The stem is erect and often branched at the base. The leaves are opposite, lanceolate to oblanceolate in shape, measuring 2-5 cm long and 3-8 mm wide. The apex is gradually pointed, the base is wedge-shaped, and the margin is entire. The leaves on the upper part of the stem are sessile, while those on the lower part have petioles. The flowers are arranged in umbel-like inflorescences with 2-3 branching levels, and each branch has 2-3 flowers. The bracts are linear, and the calyx is elliptic, densely covered with short, soft hairs on the outside, with more than 10 longitudinal veins and 5 clefts at the apex. The petals are pink or white, inverted ovate in shape, with 2 shallow lobes at the top and a narrow claw at the base. There are 2 scales at the throat. The fruit is oval and the same length as the calyx. The seeds are numerous, small, blackish-brown, and have blunt tubercles. The flowering period is from April to June, and the fruiting period is from June to August.
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Effects and Functions of Chinese Lovage Rhizome
Chinese Lovage Rhizome has a pungent and bitter taste and a neutral nature. It has the effects of promoting blood circulation, regulating menstruation, invigorating the spleen, and promoting diuresis. It is used for treating irregular menstruation, insufficient lactation, pediatric malnutrition, difficult urination, weak constitution with edema, and carbuncle and swelling.
1. "Guizhou Herbal Medicine": Pungent, slightly warm.
2. "Ningxia Herbal Medicine Manual": Bitter, sweet, neutral.
3. "Guizhou Herbal Medicine": Promotes blood circulation, resolves accumulation, invigorates the spleen, and detoxifies. It is used for treating irregular menstruation, pediatric malnutrition, and carbuncle and swelling.
4. "Ningxia Herbal Medicine Manual": Promotes lactation and diuresis.
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Methods of Application of Chinese Lovage Rhizome
The edible part of Chinese Lovage Rhizome is the tender leaves. In spring and summer, the tender leaves are picked, washed to remove impurities, blanched in boiling water for a moment, and then rinsed with cold water to remove bitterness. It can be served cold, stir-fried, or used in soups.
1. For treating irregular menstruation (delayed): Take 5 qian of Chinese Lovage Rhizome and 3 qian of Mugwort. Decoct in wine and take it warm twice a day. ("Guizhou Herbal Medicine")
2. For treating insufficient lactation in postpartum women: Take 5 qian of Chinese Lovage Rhizome, 5 qian of Astragalus, and 3 qian of Chinese Angelica. Decoct in water and take it. ("Ningxia Herbal Medicine Manual")
3. For treating weak constitution with edema: Take 5 qian of Chinese Lovage Rhizome, 5 qian of White Atractylodes, and 5 qian of Poria Peel. Decoct in water and take it. ("Ningxia Herbal Medicine Manual")
4. For treating carbuncle and swelling: Take an appropriate amount of Chinese Lovage Rhizome and Cowhair Felt. Mash and apply it to the affected area. ("Guizhou Herbal Medicine")
