Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Gendarussae Vulgaris Herba |
|---|
| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 駁骨丹 · Bo Gu Dan |
|---|
| Medicinal Part | Whole herbs |
|---|
| Efficacy Category | Blood-activating |
|---|
| Botanical Origin | The dried stem and leaf (or whole plant) of Justicia gendarussa Burm. f. (Acanthaceae). |
|---|
| Nature & Flavour | Acrid, Bitter; Neutral |
|---|
| Channels Entered | Liver, Kidney, Lung |
|---|
What Is Bo Gu Dan?
Bo Gu Dan (Common Gendarussa Herb) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Taiwan, Fujian.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid, Bitter; Neutral
Channels Entered: Liver, Kidney, Lung
Bo Gu Dan: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Gendarussae Vulgaris Herba
Botanical Origin
The dried stem and leaf (or whole plant) of Justicia gendarussa Burm. f. (Acanthaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Taiwan, Fujian.
Quality Requirements
Superior material is leafy, green and with young shoots.
Macroscopic Features
Stem cylindrical, branched, 0.2~1 cm diameter; externally purplish-brown to yellowish-brown, nodes swollen, with opposite leaf scars; leaves opposite, lanceolate, 4~14 cm long, entire, dark green; texture brittle; fractured surface pale; slight odor; pungent taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid, Bitter; NeutralLiverKidneyLung
Traditional Functions
Dispels wind-dampness, activates blood and stops pain, joins bones and renews tendons.
How Bo Gu Dan Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Bo Gu Dan is classified among the Blood-activating herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
