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What are the functions and effects of Gardenia?

Nov 28, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, consisting of the dried ripe fruit of the plant Gardenia from the Rubiaceae family. It has a bitter taste and cold property, and is associated with the heart, lung, and triple burner meridians. Its functions include clearing away heat and relieving restlessness, clearing heat and removing dampness, cooling the blood to stop bleeding, soothing the liver to relieve depression, and calming the mind. It is recommended to use Gardenia under the guidance of a qualified physician to ensure safe and effective administration.

Generally, Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) is a dried ripe fruit of the plant species Gardenia from the Rubiaceae family, and is a type of traditional Chinese medicine. It has a bitter taste and cold nature, and is associated with the Heart, Lung, and Sanjiao meridians. Its functions include clearing away heat and relieving restlessness, clearing heat and draining dampness, cooling blood to stop bleeding, soothing the liver and relieving depression, and calming the mind. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Clearing Heat and Relieving Restlessness

Gardenia has a bitter taste and cold nature, which enables it to clear heart fire, relieve restlessness, and calm the mind. It is suitable for treating symptoms such as irritability, agitation, and uneasiness caused by heat disturbing the mind, as well as chest discomfort and insomnia caused by internal heat.

2. Clearing Heat and Draining Dampness

Gardenia clears heat and reduces fire, while also promoting the function of the Sanjiao meridian. It clears damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder, alleviates jaundice, and clears damp-heat from the bladder to promote urination. It is indicated for treating damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, painful and difficult urination due to blood in the urine, jaundice, fever, short and dark urine, and dysuria.

3. Cooling Blood and Stopping Bleeding

Gardenia contains flavonoids that demonstrate certain astringent properties, effectively promoting vasoconstriction and thereby reducing bleeding tendencies. Additionally, these compounds can regulate blood viscosity and help prevent thrombosis.

4. Soothing the Liver and Relieving Depression

Gardenia affects the Heart, Lung, and Sanjiao meridians, clearing damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder, thus alleviating symptoms of insomnia and irritability caused by liver qi stagnation. At the same time, Gardenia also helps regulate emotions and can provide some relief for anxiety and depression caused by spleen-stomach weakness or emotional issues.

5. Calming the Mind and Promoting Tranquility

Gardenia has calming and mind-soothing effects, helping to improve sleep quality and effectively alleviate anxiety and depressive moods, making it suitable for individuals experiencing insomnia.

When using Gardenia, it is recommended to do so under the guidance of a qualified physician to ensure safety and efficacy. Additionally, due to its cold nature, Gardenia is not suitable for individuals with cold body constitution, as it may worsen their symptoms.

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