Herba Acalyphae
Source
Herb of A calypha austrahs L., family Euphorbiaceae.
Characteristics
Herb, 20-40 cm tall. Stem terete and branching. Leaves alternate, ovate-rhomboid,
2.5-5.5 cm long, 1.2-3.0 cm broad, margin obtusely dentate. Inflorescence
axillary, bracts triangular-reniform, closed as a clam shell, containing
flowers inside. Capsule triangular-oblate, surrounded by bracts like a
pearl kept in a clam. Bitter and astringent in taste, cool in nature.
Indication
1. Clear away heat and toxic material: For diarrhea and dysentery of darnpness-heat
type. Recently, also for amebic dysentery and typhoid fever.
2. Stop bleeding and astringency: For hemoptysis, hematemesis, hemafecia,
metrorrhagia, etc.
3. Relieve cough and dyspnea: For dyspneic cough of lung-heat type.
Pharmacological
Action
1. Bacteriostatic.
2. Astringent and protective on intestinal mucosa.
3. Antiasthmatic.
Administration Decoction: 15-30g.