Chinese Herb Han Lian Cao (Eclipta)
Other Names:
Han Lian Cao Herb, Eclipta Herb, Field Lotus Herb, Eclipta prostrata L.; Herba Ecliptae 墨旱莲 (旱莲草)
Properties:
Salty, Sour, Sweet, Cool
Channels Entered:
Liver, Kidney
Functions:
Tonify Yin, Anti-Inflammatory, Stops Bleeding, Promotes Hair Growth
Other Information:
Eclipta is part of the sunflower family and grows natively all over the world. This particular variety is native to Asia, Australia, North and South America, as well as Europe and Africa. The leaves, stems, and flowers are all used medicinally.
As Yin tonics go, Han Lian Cao is considered the main herb to use without an oily quality. It has many uses, including slowing down the signs of aging and reducing pain and swelling in the low back and knees. In the Liver, Han Lian Cao can even combat Liver disease. The more traditional uses for the Han Lian Cao herb are resolving dizziness and vertigo associated with Liver and Kidney Yin, as well as preventing premature hair graying and hair loss. This versatile herb can also be used to stop bleeding by cooling the blood in cases such as uterine bleeding and hematuria.
Some of the herbs used in combination with Han Lian Cao are Nu Zhen Zi, Ai ye, and He Shou Wu. Nu Zhen Zi helps with a variety of ailments, such as dizziness and blurred vision, and overall speeds up the tonifying properties of the Han Lian Cao herb. Ai Ye assists with uterine bleeding and He Shou Wu works well on those with prematurely grey hair.
The Han Lian Cao herb can be used both internally and externally. Externally, it is used to stop bleeding and blacken hair while promoting hair growth, as well as in a wash to calm perineal and vaginal itching. If hematochezia is present, it is best to powder Han Lian Cao and take it internally. To aid migraines, the juice produced by this herb is often dropped directly into the nose. The juice can also be injected to treat dysentery and diphtheria. Compared to the dried herb, the fresh herb has stronger Blood cooling and Heat clearing affects.
In comparison to Nu Zhen Zi, Han Lian Cao is stronger at tonifying Yin but Nu Zhen Zi cools Heat and brightens eyes.
Those with diarrhea or Kidney/Spleen Deficiency should not use Han Lian Cao because it is contradicted by those conditions. In addition, those with Food Stagnation as a result of Spleen Qi Deficiency should be very cautious with the Eclipta herb.
