Yi Mu Cao

Botanical Name: Leonuri Herba

Yi Mu Cao

Yi Mu Cao

Category: Invigorate the Blood

Taste: Acrid, Bitter
Temperature: Slightly Cold
Channels Entered: Heart, Liver, Bladder

Dosage: 9-15g (large doses up to 30g)

Cautions & Contraindications:

  • Contraindicated in those with yin deficiency or insufficient blood.
  • Contraindicated during pregnancy.

Actions & Indications:

  • Invigorates the blood and dispels stasis: commonly used for gynecological disorders such as irregular menstruation, premenstrual abdominal pain, heavy menstruation with clots, fixed abdominal masses, infertility, and postpartum abdominal pain with retained lochia.  Also used for traumatic pain.
  • Promotes urination and reduces swelling: for acute systemic edema.  Especially useful when accompanied by blood in the urine.
  • Clears heat and resolves toxicity: for sores, abscesses, and toxic swellings.  Also for itchy rashes from damp-heat collecting and steaming the muscles and subcutaneous tissues.  Used either internally or topically.