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Yi Mu Cao益母草

Leonuri Herba · Chinese Motherwort · Leonurus

Herbs that Invigorate the Blood 活血化瘀药《神农本草经》

Overview

The gynecological blood-mover whose name says as much — the "benefit-the-mother herb". Acrid, bitter and slightly cold, it invigorates blood and regulates menstruation while also promoting urination, so it suits stasis patterns that carry swelling with them. Wine-frying warms it and strengthens the blood-moving side; the plain herb keeps more of its cooling, water-draining action.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, bitter · Slightly cold

Channels

Heart · Liver · Bladder

Typical Dosage

10–30 g in decoction
益母草Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Invigorates the blood, regulates menstruationDelayed or scanty periods, dysmenorrhea, retained lochia and postpartum abdominal pain from stasis.
  • Promotes urination, reduces swellingEdema and scanty urination, especially where stasis and water retention appear together.
  • Clears heat, resolves toxicitySores, boils and itchy eruptions, taken internally or used as a wash.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Yi Mu Cao

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Delayed, scanty or painful menstruation from blood stasis
    - Postpartum abdominal pain with retained lochia
    - Edema with scanty urination
    - Skin sores and eruptions (internal or external use)

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

DysmenorrheaAmenorrheaPostpartum recoveryEdema

Contraindications

Cautions

A blood-moving herb: not for blood-deficiency patterns without stasis, and not used during active heavy bleeding unless a practitioner directs otherwise. Large or prolonged doses are a practitioner decision.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(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.