Herba Bidentis
Source
Herb of Bidens bipmnata L, B. pilosa L. and B. biternata (Lour.) Merr.
et Sherff, family cbmpositae.
Characteristics
A herb. The leaves at the lower part opposite and those at the upper alternate;
the leaves of the three kinds of the plants are bipinnatipartite, tripartite
and mono to bipinnatifid correspondingly. Capitulum with involucrates;
linguiform flowers yellow or white, tubular flowers yellow. Achene linear
with longitudinal ridges, and 3-4 pappi at the apex which are hard awn-like,
capillaceous and inversely hooked. Bitter in taste, mild in nature.
Indication
1. Clear away the superficial heat: For common cold of wind-heat type
and prevention of influenza.
2. Clear away heat and toxic materials: For sorethroat, appendicitis,
snake bite and centipede bite.
3. Clear away dampness and heat from the gastrointestines: For diarrhea,
dysentery and stomachache of heat type.
Pharmacological
Action
I. Its decoction together with Radix Dichroae is anti-inflammatory.
2. Diminishing the area of experimental gastric ulcer and secretion of
gastric juice, and also lowering the level of both total and free acid
in gastric juice in mice.
Administration Decoction:10-30g.