Patrinia Herb

Patrinia Herb (Bai Jiang Cao): A Bitter Herb for Clearing Heat and Resolving Toxins

Introduction

Patrinia herb, known as Bai Jiang Cao (败酱草) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is bitter, acrid, and slightly cold. It is valued for clearing heat, resolving toxins, reducing abscesses, and dispelling blood stasis. Bai Jiang Cao is especially used for appendicitis, intestinal abscess, abdominal pain, and postpartum stasis. Its toxin-clearing and stasis-resolving nature makes it important for treating internal abscesses and inflammation.

What Is Patrinia Herb?

Bai Jiang Cao comes from the whole dried plant of Patrinia scabiosaefolia or Patrinia villosa, perennial herbs native to East Asia. In TCM, it is classified as bitter, acrid, and slightly cold, entering the Liver, Stomach, and Large Intestine meridians. Its qualities allow it to clear heat, reduce swelling, and move blood to relieve pain.

Health Benefits of Patrinia Herb

Clears heat and resolves toxins – Treats intestinal abscess, appendicitis, and infections with fever, swelling, and pain.

Reduces abscesses and drains pus – Used for lung abscess, sores, and carbuncles.

Dispels blood stasis and relieves pain – Helps with postpartum abdominal pain or injuries with stagnant blood.

Promotes urination – Assists in relieving damp-heat urinary difficulty.

How to Use Patrinia Herb

Decoction – Commonly used for appendicitis, intestinal abscess, or postpartum abdominal pain.

External application – Crushed fresh herb applied to abscesses or swellings.

Where to Buy Patrinia Herb

TCM shops/herbal suppliers – Sold as dried whole herb or sliced pieces.

Online herbal retailers – Available as dried herb, granules, or powder.

Look for: dried greenish stems and leaves with a slightly bitter and grassy aroma.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Patrinia is generally safe, but excessive use may cause digestive upset or nausea. Avoid during pregnancy unless supervised by a practitioner. Not suitable for those with weak constitution or cold conditions without heat/toxin signs.

Conclusion

Patrinia herb (Bai Jiang Cao) is a bitter, slightly cold herb that clears heat, resolves toxins, and moves blood stasis. It is especially effective for abscesses, appendicitis, and postpartum pain.

FAQ

Can it help with appendicitis? – Yes, it is a key herb for intestinal abscess and appendicitis in TCM.

Is it good for skin abscesses? – Yes, it reduces swelling, drains pus, and resolves toxins.

Does it help with postpartum recovery? – Yes, it relieves abdominal pain by moving blood stasis.