Lysimachia Herb
Lysimachia Herb (Jin Qian Cao): A Sweet Herb for Clearing Damp-Heat, Promoting Urination, and Dissolving Stones
Introduction
Lysimachia herb, known as Jin Qian Cao (金钱草) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is sweet, bland, and neutral. It is valued for clearing damp-heat, promoting urination, and treating urinary or gallstones. Jin Qian Cao is especially used for painful urinary dribbling, gallbladder disorders, and jaundice caused by damp-heat. Its unique ability to both drain and dissolve makes it a vital herb for urinary and biliary health.
What Is Lysimachia Herb?
Jin Qian Cao comes from the whole plant of Lysimachia christinae and related species, a creeping herb found in moist areas of East Asia. In TCM, it is classified as sweet, bland, and neutral, entering the Liver, Gallbladder, Kidney, and Bladder meridians. Its dispersing and draining qualities help clear damp-heat while supporting fluid metabolism and stone passage.
Health Benefits of Lysimachia Herb
Promotes urination and clears damp-heat – Relieves painful urinary dribbling and edema.
Dissolves stones – Effective for urinary tract stones, gallstones, and bile duct stones.
Relieves jaundice – Helps with jaundice due to damp-heat in the Liver and Gallbladder.
Reduces swelling and toxins – Used for snakebites, sores, and abscesses when applied externally.
How to Use Lysimachia Herb
Decoction – Commonly boiled with other herbs to clear damp-heat and promote urination.
Powder or infusion – Taken for urinary or gallstone problems.
External use – Fresh plant applied as a poultice for sores, abscesses, or snakebites.
Where to Buy Lysimachia Herb
TCM shops – Sold as dried whole plant or cut pieces.
Herbal suppliers – Available online in bulk dried form or powders.
Look for: clean, greenish-yellow dried herb with a mild, slightly sweet taste.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Jin Qian Cao is generally safe but should be used cautiously in cases of Kidney deficiency with cold symptoms, as its draining action may further weaken yang. Very large doses may cause mild digestive upset. Always combine with complementary herbs for best results.
Conclusion
Lysimachia herb (Jin Qian Cao) is a sweet, neutral herb that clears damp-heat, promotes urination, and dissolves stones. With its dual action of draining and dispersing, it is indispensable in formulas for urinary difficulties, gallstones, and damp-heat disorders of the Liver and Gallbladder.
FAQ
Can it help with kidney stones? – Yes, it promotes urination and helps dissolve stones.
Does it treat jaundice? – Yes, it clears damp-heat from the Liver and Gallbladder.
Is it safe for long-term use? – It is usually used short- to mid-term for stones or damp-heat, and best taken under guidance.