Ma Bian Cao马鞭草
Verbenae Herba · Vervain
Overview
The above-ground parts of vervain, named for its long, whip-like flowering spike. Bitter and cool, it works on two fronts at once: it breaks up static blood and unblocks the menses, and it clears heat and resolves toxicity. That combination makes it the choice where stagnation and heat sit together — periods that stop with fixed, stabbing lower-abdominal pain, abdominal masses, hot swollen sores, an inflamed throat — and it drains damp downward as well, so it is used for edema with scanty urine.
Nature & Flavor
Bitter · CoolChannels
Liver · SpleenTypical Dosage
5–15 g in decoctionActions
3 core actions
- Invigorates blood, dispels stasisAmenorrhea and painful periods with dark clots and fixed stabbing pain; abdominal masses; bruising and swelling after injury.
- Clears heat, resolves toxicityHot painful throat, mouth sores, boils and hot swelling; traditionally also damp-heat jaundice.
- Promotes urination, reduces swellingEdema with scanty urine, particularly where heat is part of the picture.
In Formulas
Formulas containing Ma Bian Cao
No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.
Indications & Clinical Uses
- Amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea with clots and fixed stabbing pain
- Abdominal masses; swelling and bruising after injury
- Hot sore throat, mouth sores, boils and hot swelling
- Edema with scanty urination
- Historically used for intermittent fever patterns — such illness needs conventional diagnosis and treatment today
Western Medical Keywords
Searchable condition terms
Contraindications
Cautions
It moves blood and it is cool, so it is avoided where there is a bleeding tendency or heavy menstrual flow, where a cold weak Spleen brings loose stools, and in a generally depleted patient with no stasis to break up. It is contraindicated in pregnancy. Where it is being considered for a fever illness, conventional diagnosis comes first — an intermittent fever is not something to treat blind. Our dispensary data flags no toxicity and no allergy risk.
Contraindicated in pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy — it breaks up static blood and moves the menses downward
For licensed practitioners’ reference only
References
- Ming Yi Bie Lu《名医别录》 (classical source, public domain).
2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.
Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.