Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Centellae Herba |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 積雪草 · Ji Xue 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 whole herb of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. (Apiaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Bitter, Acrid; Cold |
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| Channels Entered | Liver, Spleen, Kidney |
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What Is Ji Xue Cao?
Ji Xue Cao (Asiatic Pennywort Herb) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan.
Nature & Flavour: Bitter, Acrid; Cold
Channels Entered: Liver, Spleen, Kidney
Ji Xue Cao: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Centellae Herba
Botanical Origin
The dried whole herb of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. (Apiaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is greenish, leafy, and clean.
Macroscopic Features
Often curled into lumps. Root is cylindrical, 2~4cm long. Stem is slender, yellowish-brown, with nodes. Leaves are alternate, often shrunken; leaf blade is round or kidney-shaped, 1.5~4cm diameter, margin with rounded serrations; petiole is 5~15cm long. Faint odor, taste slightly bitter.
Traditional TCM Properties
Bitter, Acrid; ColdLiverSpleenKidney
Traditional Functions
Clears heat and drains dampness, resolves toxin and reduces swelling.
How Ji Xue Cao Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Ji Xue 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.
