Leonurus japonicus
| Leonurus japonicus | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 3' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Early Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Leonurus japonicus
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Cultivation: We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Succeeds in most soils[1]. Prefers a poor soil[2].
There is some doubt over the correct name for this species, a recent work suggested that it should be L. artemisia (Lour.)S.Y.Hu. - at least in as much as it refers to the medicinal plant in China.[3]
Range: E. Asia - China.
Habitat: Waste places, hillsides, roadsides and gardens[4]. Sunny areas to elevations of 3,400 metres all over China[5].
Medicinal: This plant (and other closely related species) is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[3].
The leaves are diuretic and are placed in bath water to relieve itching and painful shingles.[3]
The dried flowers are emmenagogue and are also used in pregnancy and to help expel the placenta after giving birth[3].
The juice of the stems is vulnerary[3].
The fruit is antibacterial, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, ophthalmic, and vasodilator .[6][3] It is used in the treatment of abnormal menstruation, nebula and conjunctivitis[6].
The seed is aphrodisiac, diuretic, emmenagogue, ophthalmic and is also used in the treatment of various women's complaints[4][3]. The plant was ranked number one in a survey of 250 potential antifertility plants in China[3]. The seed is used in the treatment of conjunctivitis and night blindness[4].
The aerial parts of the plant are alterative, antibacterial, antifungal, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, vasodilator and vulnerary[6][3]. The whole plant is decocted, either on its own or with other herbs, as an ophthalmic[3]. It is used in the treatment of abnormal menstruation, postpartum abdominal pain, tumours, uterine bleeding, oedema, eczema and purulent abscess[6]. It is also used externally as a poultice for bruises[3].
Stimulates blood circulation[4]. (The part of the plant used is not made clear.)
Pollinators: Bees
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Seed Ripens: Late Summer-Early Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ International Bee Research Association. Garden Plants Valuable to Bees. International Bee Research Association, 1981.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Revolutionary Health Committee of Hunan Province. A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press.
- ↑ Flora of China. 1994.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Yeung, Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, 1985.