CHINESE HERB: ZI ZHU

Beautyberry leaf

Name

Pinyin name: Zi Zhu

Latin name: Folium Callicarpae Formosanae

English name: Beautyberry leaf, Callicarpa leaf

Origin

Zi Zhu is the leaf of Callicarpa pedunculata R.Br, a deciduous shrub in the Verbenaceae family with tiny branches showing indistinct lenticels.

Location

It is found in woods, particularly on moist areas and distributed throughout the southern America, China, Philippines and Vietnam.

Harvesting and Processing

Zi zhu is collected all the year round, especially in summer, and died in the sun.

Properties

Taste: Bitter and astringent

Nature: Cool

Entering meridians: Liver, Lung and Stomach

Best qualities

Grayish green or brownish green on the upper side, pale green or light brownish green on the lower side, grayish yellow twig, weak smell and bitter taste.

Major Chemical Constituents

Zi zhu contains flavones, tannin, resin, carbohydrates, magnesium, calcium and ferric salts.

Actions

- Activate blood and stop bleeding

- Resolve toxicity and treat burns and sores

Syndromes

- Internal and external bleeding such as nose bleeding, vomiting of blood, blood in the urine and stool, bleeding gums

- Burns, scalds and sores

Dosage

Decoction: dried 10- 15 grams, fresh 30- 60 grams. Powder 1.5- 3 grams

Contraindications and Cautions

- Forbid to be used in hypertension patients

- Use with care in case of bleeding from Deficiency and Cold