Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Siegesbeckiae Herba |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 豨薟草 · Xi Xian Cao |
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| Medicinal Part | Whole herbs |
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| Efficacy Category | Wind-damp dispelling |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried aerial portion of Siegesbeckia orientalis L., Siegesbeckia pubescens Makino, Siegesbeckia glabrescens Makino. (Asteraceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Acrid, Bitter; Cold |
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| Channels Entered | Liver, Kidney |
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What Is Xi Xian Cao?
Xi Xian Cao (Common St. Paulswort Herb / Glandulartalk St. Paulswort Herb) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the areas south of the Yangtze River of China.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid, Bitter; Cold
Channels Entered: Liver, Kidney
Xi Xian Cao: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Siegesbeckiae Herba
Botanical Origin
The dried aerial portion of Siegesbeckia orientalis L., Siegesbeckia pubescens Makino, Siegesbeckia glabrescens Makino. (Asteraceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the areas south of the Yangtze River of China.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material has numerous leaves, green color, tender texture.
Macroscopic Features
Stem is square column-shaped, often branched, 30~110cm long. 0.3~1cm diameter; externally grayish-green, yellowish-brown or purplish-brown, with longitudinal grooves and thin wrinkles, covered gray soft hairs; obvious joints, slightly enlarged; brittle texture, easily broken, fractured yellowish-white or with green, wide pith, off-white, hollow center. Opposing leaves, often wrinkled, rolled, oval shape after being flattened, grayish-green, edge has blunt teeth, both sides has white soft hair, and main vein is trinerve. Some can see yellow flower head, involucres are spoon-like. faint odor, slightly bitter taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid, Bitter; ColdLiverKidney
Traditional Functions
Dispels wind-dampness, benefits the joints, and resolves toxin.
How Xi Xian Cao Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Xi Xian Cao is classified among the Wind-damp dispelling 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.
