🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Dried leaves and young branches with leaves of Murraya exotica L. and other species of Chrysanthemum can be collected year-round. Remove old branches and dry in shade.【Characteristics】Young stems are cylindrical, 1–5 mm in diameter, gray-brown in color with longitudinal wrinkles. Firm texture, not easily broken; fracture surface uneven. Pinnate compound leaves have 3–9 leaflets, mostly shed. Leaflets are oblong or nearly rhomboid, widest above the middle, about 3 cm long and 1.5 cm wide; apex blunt, acute, or indented; base slightly asymmetrical, entire margin; yellow-green, thin leathery texture, transparent glands visible on upper surface; short petioles or nearly absent; lower surface sometimes covered with soft hairs. Aromatic smell, bitter and pungent taste with a numbing sensation on the tongue.For Murraya exotica, leaflets are ovate or elliptical, widest at midsection or below, 2–8 cm long, 1–3 cm wide, apex gradually tapering or short-acuminate.【Flavor and Nature】Pungent, slightly bitter, warm; mildly toxic.【Function and Indications】Regulating qi flow to relieve pain, activating blood circulation to dissipate stasis. Used for stomach pain, arthralgia due to wind-dampness; externally applied for toothache, bruises, swelling from trauma, and snake or insect bites.【Usage and Dosage】6–12 g; externally use fresh herbs in appropriate amounts, crush and apply directly to affected area.【Storage】Keep in a dry place. <Nine-Archangel>