What are the effects and benefits of茺蔚子 (Leonurus japonicus Houtt.)?
Jan 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Leonuri Fructus, a Chinese medicinal name, refers to the dried mature fruit of the plant Leonurus japonicus of the Lamiaceae family. Under normal circumstances, Leonuri Fructus has effects and functions such as relieving asthma and suppressing cough, promoting diuresis and reducing edema, clearing heat and detoxifying, activating blood circulation to regulate menstruation, and clearing the liver to improve vision. Consultation with a physician is recommended before use. Some components contained in Leonuri Fructus can dilate bronchial tubes and inhibit the cough center.
Leonurus japonicus Fruit, a traditional Chinese medicine name, is the dried mature fruit of the plant Leonurus japonicus from the Lamiaceae family. Generally speaking, the effects and functions of Leonurus japonicus fruit include relieving asthma and suppressing cough, promoting diuresis and reducing edema, clearing heat and detoxifying, activating blood circulation to regulate menstruation, and clearing the liver to improve vision. If you intend to use it, it is recommended to consult a physician first. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. **Relieve Asthma and Suppress Cough**
Leonurus japonicus fruit contains certain components that can dilate the bronchi and inhibit the cough center, providing a beneficial relieving effect on respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.
2. **Promote Diuresis and Reduce Edema**
Some components in Leonurus japonicus fruit have a diuretic effect, effectively removing excess water and salt from the body, thus offering certain auxiliary therapeutic benefits for conditions like edema and nephritis.
3. **Clear Heat and Detoxify**
Leonurus japonicus fruit is slightly cold in nature and can clear heat and detoxify. It shows good therapeutic effects on skin diseases caused by heat toxicity, such as boils, acne, and eczema, accelerating the resolution of inflammation and promoting wound healing.
4. **Activate Blood Circulation and Regulate Menstruation**
Rich in various active ingredients such as tanshinone and leonurine, Leonurus japonicus fruit can effectively promote blood circulation, improve uterine contractions, and help regulate symptoms such as irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea.
5. **Clear the Liver and Improve Vision**
Leonurus japonicus fruit has the effect of clearing the liver and improving vision. It is commonly used to treat eye conditions such as red eyes, eye pain, and cataracts caused by excessive liver fire. Its liver-clearing effect helps regulate liver function and alleviate eye discomfort caused by excessive internal heat in the liver.
Although Leonurus japonicus fruit offers many benefits, its nature is relatively cold. Pregnant women and individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency cold should use it cautiously to avoid causing unnecessary health issues.
