Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Andrographitis Herba |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 穿心蓮 · Chuan Xin Lian |
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| Medicinal Part | Whole herbs |
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| Efficacy Category | Heat-clearing |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried aerial portion of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (Acanthaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Bitter; Cold |
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| Channels Entered | Heart, Lung, Large Intestine, Bladder |
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What Is Chuan Xin Lian?
Chuan Xin Lian (Common Andrographis Herb) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Fujian, Yunnan, Guangdong, Guangxi.
Nature & Flavour: Bitter; Cold
Channels Entered: Heart, Lung, Large Intestine, Bladder
Chuan Xin Lian: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Andrographitis Herba
Botanical Origin
The dried aerial portion of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (Acanthaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Fujian, Yunnan, Guangdong, Guangxi.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is green and with many leaves.
Macroscopic Features
Stem is square, with may branches, 50~70cm long, enlarged joints; Brittle texture, easily to break. Singular opposing leaves, petiole short or nearly sessile; leaves are wrinkled and fragile, whole leaf is lanceolate or oval lanceolate shape after being flattened, 3~12cm long, 2~5cm wide, apex is gradually narrow, base is cunate, margin entire or light teethed; upper surface is green, lower surface is grayish-green, both sides area smooth. faint odor; very bitter taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Bitter; ColdHeartLungLarge IntestineBladder
Traditional Functions
Clears heat and resolves toxin, cools blood, reduces swelling.
How Chuan Xin Lian Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Chuan Xin Lian is classified among the Heat-clearing 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.
