Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Rubiae Radix et Rhizoma |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 茜草 · Qian Cao |
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| Medicinal Part | Roots and rhizomes |
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| Efficacy Category | Hemostatic |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried root and rhizome of Rubia cordifolia L. (Rubiaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Bitter; Cold |
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| Channels Entered | Liver |
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What Is Qian Cao?
Qian Cao (Indian Madder Root) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Henan, Shaanxi, Shanxi.
Nature & Flavour: Bitter; Cold
Channels Entered: Liver
Qian Cao: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Rubiae Radix et Rhizoma
Botanical Origin
The dried root and rhizome of Rubia cordifolia L. (Rubiaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Henan, Shaanxi, Shanxi.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is thick, reddish-brown outer skin, yellowish-brown fractured surface.
Macroscopic Features
Rhizome is knotty, with uneven roots thickly growing out. Root is cylindrical, slightly curved, 10~25cm long, 0.2~1cm diameter; externally reddish-brown or dark brown, with thin longitudinal wrinkles and few thin root scars; yellowish-red where cortex fallen off. Brittle texture, easily broken, fractured surface is flat with narrow cortex; purplish-red, xylem is wide, pale yellowish-red, with numerous ducts. faint odor, slightly bitter taste, numbing to the tongue when chewed a while.
Traditional TCM Properties
Bitter; ColdLiver
Traditional Functions
Cools blood, dispels stasis, stops bleeding, and unblocks menses.
How Qian Cao Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Qian Cao is classified among the Hemostatic 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.
