Polycarpaea, Xing Se Cao 星色草

Bai Gu Ding, Xing Se Cao (TCM)
Nilaisedachi (Siddha)
Picture Polycarpaea corymbosa
Wight, R., Illustrations of Indian botany (1840-1850)

Picture Polycarpaea corymbosa
(Photo by J.M.Garg) (Wikimedia)

Botanical name:


Polycarpaea corymbosa (syn. Polycarpea corymbosa, Achyranthes corymbosa, Celosia corymbosa, Mollia corymbosa)

Parts used:


Whole plant

Temperature & Taste:


Cool, dry. Bitter

Uses:


1. Clears Heat and Damp:
-Diarrhea, Dysentery, Enteritis
-Indigestion from Heat and Damp
-Jaundice

2. Clears Heat, Resists Poison:
-Boils, Abscesses, Carbuncles
-Venomous Bites including Snakes and Insects (internally and topically)

3. Externally:
-fresh plant is applied to inflammations
-applied to boils and toxic swellings


Dose:


In Decoction: 3–9 grams

Substitute:


Polycarpaea is used as a substitute for Fumitory in India.

Main Combinations:


1. Jaundice, formed into pills with Molasses (India)

Major Formulas:



Cautions:


None noted

Main Preparations used: