Radix Rubiae
Source
Root of Rubia cordifolia L., family Rubiaceae.
Characteristics
Root slender, long-terete, 2-3 roots connected at the root-stock, or 
separated
into a single root, 15-20 cm long, 0.5-1.0 cm in diameter. Surface reddish
brown, xylem pink when the epidermis is peeling off. Prepared as short
segments. Bitter in taste, cold in nature, and attributive to liver channel.
Indication
1. Cool the blood, promote blood circulation and stop bleeding: External
use for bleeding caused by trauma, and after tooth extraction; internal
use for various kinds of bleeding due to blood stasis and blood-heat,
especially metrorrhagia.
2. Remove blood stasis and relieve pain: For traumatic pain, amenia, menalgia,
postpartum retention of lochia, pain in the chest and hypochondria, etc.
due to blood stasis. Recently also used for hepatosplenomegaly.
3.
Relieve cough arid eliminate sputum: For productive cough. In addition,
its extract (containing naphthoquinone) is used for leukopenia caused
by radiation, chemicals and unknown causes.
Pharmacological
Action
1. Hemostatic.
2. Bacteriostatic in vitro.
3. Antitussive and expectorant.
Administration
Decoction: 9-15g; fresh herb for hemostasis.
External use: Appropriate amount.