Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Bidentis Herba |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 鬼針草 · Gui Zhen Cao |
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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 part of Bidens pilosa L., Bidens bipinnata L. or Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. et Sherff (Asteraceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Bitter; Neutral |
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| Channels Entered | Liver, Lung, Large Intestine |
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What Is Gui Zhen Cao?
Gui Zhen Cao (Spanishneedle Herb) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Produced in most areas of China.
Nature & Flavour: Bitter; Neutral
Channels Entered: Liver, Lung, Large Intestine
Gui Zhen Cao: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Bidentis Herba
Botanical Origin
The dried aerial part of Bidens pilosa L., Bidens bipinnata L. or Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. et Sherff (Asteraceae).
Production Regions
Produced in most areas of China.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is greenish, leafy, flowered.
Macroscopic Features
Stems are quadrangular, often branched, 30~100cm long; externally yellowish-brown or green. Leaves opposite, pinnately divided, often shrunken; leaflets are ovate, margin serrate. Capitula terminal; achenes linear, with 2~3 awns at apex. Faint odor, taste bitter.
Traditional TCM Properties
Bitter; NeutralLiverLungLarge Intestine
Traditional Functions
Clears heat and resolves toxin, disperses stasis and reduces swelling.
How Gui Zhen Cao Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Gui Zhen Cao 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.
