Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Achyranthis Asperae Herba |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 倒扣草 · Dao Kou Cao |
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| Medicinal Part | Whole herbs |
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| Efficacy Category | Blood-activating |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried whole herb of Achyranthes aspera L. (Amaranthaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet, Bitter; Cool |
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| Channels Entered | Liver, Lung, Bladder |
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What Is Dao Kou Cao?
Dao Kou Cao (Rough Achyranthes Herb) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Guizhou, Fujian, Jiangxi.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Bitter; Cool
Channels Entered: Liver, Lung, Bladder
Dao Kou Cao: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Achyranthis Asperae Herba
Botanical Origin
The dried whole herb of Achyranthes aspera L. (Amaranthaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Guizhou, Fujian, Jiangxi.
Quality Requirements
Superior material is dry, leafy, with flower spikes.
Macroscopic Features
Whole herb 30~100 cm long; root cylindrical, curved, surface yellowish-brown; stem opposite-branched, quadrangular, green or purple, with sparse soft hairs; leaves opposite, elliptical or obovate; spikes terminal, reflexed after flowering (hence inverted), bracts spiny; texture brittle; faint odor; slightly bitter taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet, Bitter; CoolLiverLungBladder
Traditional Functions
Activates blood and dispels stasis, promotes diuresis and relieves stranguria, releases exterior and clears heat.
How Dao Kou Cao Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Dao Kou Cao 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.
