Chong Wei Zi茺蔚子
Fructus LeonuriLeonurus Fruit
Also known asSemen Leonuri · Motherwort Fruit · Asian Motherwort Seed
- Category
- Herbs that Invigorate the Blood
- Nature
- slightly cold, cool
- Taste
- sweet
- Channels entered
- Liver, Spleen
- Dosage
- 3–15 g
Actions & indications
- Invigorates the Blood and regulates the menses
- Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea or postpartum abdominal pain due to Blood Stasis
- Clears Heat and clears the eyes
- Headache or red swollen, painful eyes, nebulae or conjunctivitis due to Liver Heat
- Pterygium
Contraindications
- Contraindicated where bleeding is continuous.
- Contraindicated during pregnancy.
- Contraindicated in Liver Stagnation arising from Liver Blood Deficiency.
- Doses above 20-30g may produce toxic reactions.
Notes
- It comes from the same plant as Hb. Leonuri (Yi Mu Cao).
- One source describes it as astringent and tonifying, used for menorrhagia and continuous hemorrhage (see contraindications).
- It is said to sharpen vision and mental clarity, and to generate sperm and virility.
- Chong Wei Zi and Yi Mu Cao (Hb. Leonuri) both invigorate the Blood and regulate menstruation; Chong Wei Zi additionally cools the Liver and brightens the eyes, treating eye redness and swelling or superficial visual obstruction caused by Liver Heat.
- Dry-fried, as Chao Chong Wei Zi, the Fr. Leonuri seeds become Warm rather than Slightly Cold and more friable, which eases decoction; in this form they are better suited to invigorating Blood and promoting menstruation.