What is the difference between Anoectochilus roxburghii and Lysimachia christinae?
Dec 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
There are differences between Jin Xian Lian (Anoectochilus roxburghii) and Jin Qian Cao (Lysimachia christinae) in terms of medicinal parts, core effects, applicable conditions, properties and meridian tropism, as well as usage contraindications. If medication is needed for treating related diseases, it is recommended to do so under the guidance of a qualified physician to avoid discomfort caused by self-medication. Medicinal Parts: Jin Xian Lian uses the whole herb and requires harvesting the complete plant, which is then processed before use.
There are differences between Anoectochilus roxburghii and Lysimachia christinae in terms of medicinal parts, core effects, applicable conditions, properties and meridian tropism, as well as usage contraindications. If medication is needed for treating related diseases, it is recommended to do so under the guidance of a qualified physician to avoid self-medication that may cause discomfort.
1. Different Medicinal Parts: Anoectochilus roxburghii uses the entire herb, requiring collection of the complete plant followed by processing before use; Lysimachia christinae primarily uses the dried whole herb, with some varieties using only the aerial parts. There are differences in the selection and preparation of the medicinal parts used.
2. Different Core Effects: The main effects of Anoectochilus roxburghii include clearing heat, cooling blood, eliminating dampness, detoxifying, and balancing yin and yang. In contrast, Lysimachia christinae mainly functions to promote urination, relieve urinary disorders, resolve dampness, reduce jaundice, and detoxify while reducing swelling. The primary therapeutic directions of the two herbs are distinctly different.
3. Different Applicable Conditions: Anoectochilus roxburghii is suitable for conditions such as lung-heat cough, damp-heat jaundice, and traumatic injuries. Lysimachia christinae is commonly used for stone dysuria (lithiasis), heat dysuria, damp-heat jaundice, and abscesses or toxic swellings. The focus of their applicable conditions differs significantly.
4. Different Properties, Flavors, and Meridian Tropism: Anoectochilus roxburghii has a sweet and slightly bitter taste, a cool nature, and enters the lung, liver, and kidney meridians. Lysimachia christinae has a sweet and salty taste, a slightly cold nature, and enters the liver, gallbladder, kidney, and bladder meridians. Their flavor profiles, natures, and meridian affinities differ.
5. Different Usage Precautions: Due to its cool nature, Anoectochilus roxburghii should be used with caution in individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, and excessive use in those with deficient-cold constitution may worsen symptoms of cold deficiency. Lysimachia christinae should also be used cautiously in individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold or yin deficiency with insufficient body fluids, as prolonged and excessive use may impair spleen and stomach function. The contraindications for the two herbs differ.
When treating related conditions, appropriate herbs should be selected based on syndrome differentiation. In daily care, maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and greasy foods, keep a regular sleep schedule, engage in moderate exercise to strengthen physical health, and monitor bodily responses closely to adjust the treatment plan promptly.
