Herba Siegesbeckiae
Source
Herb of Siegesbeckia orientalis L. and S. pubescens Makino, family Compositae.
Characteristics
A large herb. Stem somewhat square, nodes visible, section hollowed at
the
pith. compound dichasium branching at the upper part. Branches, leaves
and peduncles covered by grey hairs. Leaf singular, opposite, triangular-ovate,
obviously trinervated; margin cleft or coarsely dentated; bases elongated.
Capitulum multiple in number and conical in shape; involucre in two layers,
outer layer spatulately spreading, with glandular pubescents and mucus
secretion; corolla yellow. Achene obovate. Prepared as short segments.
Bitter in taste, cold in nature, and attributive to liver and heart channels.
Indication
1. Expel wind-dampness and dredge the channels: For arthralgia of wind-dampness
type, specially for wandering arthralgia and those with swelling of joints,
numbness and immovability of extremities; also for apoplexy with destortion
of the face, aphasia, or hemiplegia, usually used together with Folium
Clerodendri Trichotomi (Bolus of Siegesbeckiae and Clerodendri Trichotomi).
2. Clear away heat and toxic materials, eliminate dampness and relieve
itching: For skin infection, jaundice of dampness-heat type, urticaria,
eczema, psoriasis and pruritis.
3.
Prevent the recurrence of malaria: For malaria.
4. Tranquilize and lower blood pressure: For insomnia, neurasthenia, hypertension,
used individually or with Clerodendri Trichotomi.
Pharmacological
Action
1. Hypotensive.
2. A 1:2 decoction of Herba Siegesbeckiae and Cierodendri Trichotomi inhibits
the development of egg-white induced arthritis in rats, but no such effect
is observed when used individually.
Administration Decoction: 10-15g; 30-45g daily for malaria 2-3 hours before attack.