Clematis Flower (Lingxiao Hua)
This product is the dried rhizome of Curcumaphaeocaulis Valeton, Curcumakwangsiensis S.G.Lee et C.F.Liang, or Curcuma Wenyujin Y.H.Chen et C.Ling, all belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. The latter is commonly known as "Wen E Zhu". Harvested after the stems and leaves wither in winter, cleaned, steamed or boiled until thoroughly cooked, then sun-dried or low-temperature dried, followed by removal of fibrous roots and impurities.
【Appearance】Peng E Zhu appears oval, elongated oval, conical, or spindle-shaped; apex often bluntly pointed, base rounded; length 2–8cm, diameter 1.5–4cm. Surface ranges from gray-yellow to gray-brown; upper nodes prominent, bearing circular shallow depressions from root scars or residual roots; some have two rows of depressed bud scars and circular lateral rhizome scars on both sides, some show knife marks. Heavy, firm texture; cross-section gray-brown to blue-brown, waxy appearance, often adhering to gray-brown powder; cortex easily separates from central cylinder, with a brownish ring of endodermis. Slight fragrance, slightly bitter and pungent taste.
Guangxi E Zhu has slightly raised nodes, cross-section yellow-brown to brown, often adhering to pale yellow powder, endodermal ring yellow-white.
Wen E Zhu cross-section yellow-brown to dark brown, often adhering to pale yellow to yellow-brown powder. Aromatic or slightly fragrant.
【Taste and Meridian Affinity】Pungent, bitter, warm. Enters Liver and Spleen meridians.
【Function and Indications】Moves qi, breaks blood stasis, eliminates accumulation, relieves pain. Used for masses and hard lumps, blood stasis causing amenorrhea, food stagnation and distension pain; early-stage cervical cancer.
【Usage and Dosage】6–9g.
【Caution】Avoid use during pregnancy.
【Storage】Store in a dry place, protect from insect infestation.
<Clematis Flower>