Yi Mu Cao (Chinese Motherwort)

Herb 30 of 34 in Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation

Channels:

HT, LIV, BL, PER

Properties:

Spicy, Bitter, Slightly Cold

Latin:

Herba Leonuri Heterophylli

Chinese:

益母草

Tone Marks:

yì mŭ căo

Translation:

Benefit Mother Herb

Chinese Herb Actions

• Invigorates Blood, Dispels Blood Stasis, Reduces Masses
  A very important herb for gynecological disorders due to blood stagnation. It regulated blood in the chong and treats irregular menses, amenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain, heavy menses with clots, fixed abdominal masses, infertility and traumatic pain.
• Promotes Urination, Reduces Swelling and Edema
  For acute systemic edema especially if blood in the urine. Treats dysuria, scanty urine, chronic edema, heavy sensation in the back and legs, abdominal distension, fullness after meals, sallow complexion, fatigue, listlessness and difficulty moving. For edema associated with chronic nephritis. Also for kidney stones.
• Clears Heat and Toxin
  For dermatological disorders including eczema, sores, lesions, ulcers, itchy rashes, and toxic swellings

Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions

• Use strict caution in pregnancy
• Do not use in Blood and Yin Deficient patients
• Do not use in Yang Deficient patients with prolapse

Herb-Drug Interactions

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Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

• The alkaloid content makes this herb slightly toxic with symptoms including sudden general weakness, stiffness, paralysis, general body pains, oppressive sensation in chest, excess sweating, low blood pressure, cold extremities, shock, cyanosis, respiratory paralysis and miscarriage.
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Chinese Herb Dosage

• 9-15 grams in decoction, maximum dose of 30 grams (Bensky)
• 10-15 grams in decoction, maximum dose of 30 grams (Chen)

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

• Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin (Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Extinguish Internal Wind