Its source is from the aerial parts of the perennial herbaceous plants, herb of Elsholtzia splendens Nakai ex F. Maekawa, family Labiatae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in Jiangxi, Anhui and Henan provinces. It is collected when the leaves and stems are vigorous and the fruits are ripe in summer or autumn, dried in the sun and cut into pieces for use. Medicinal Properties Pungent in flavor, slightly warm in nature, and attributive to the lung, spleen and stomach meridians. Actions Induce sweating to relieve exterior syndrome, eliminate dampness and regulate the function of the spleen and stomach, promote diuresis and relieve edema. Application 1. It is often combined with Houpo ( Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis ) and Biandou ( Semen Dolichoris Album), such as Xiangru Yin (Decoction). It is indicated for the illness due to invasion of exogenous wind and cold as well as invasion of the interior by dampness in summer, which is manifested as aversion to cold and fever, head-ache, anhidrosis, vomiting, and diarrhea, etc.. 2. It is used for wind edema with dysuria, and can be used in single or combined with Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), such as Ru Zhu Wan (Pill). Usage and Dosage 3 -9 g is used in decoction for oral use. Notes It is contraindicated in those with perspiration due to superficial deficiency and yang summer-heat syndrome since it is pungent and warm and can induce much sweating.
