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    Yemama Apothecary

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    Aromatic Qi-Regulating, Pestilence-Dispelling & Dermatological Detoxifier (行气理气 / 辟秽解毒除瘴止痒药)

    箭叶橙 / 马蜂柑 / 泰国青柠 — Citrus hystrix DC.

    Pinyin: Jiànyèchéng / Mǎfēnggān · Malay: Limau Purut / Limau Hantu · Family: Rutaceae (芸香科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Warm (温)

    Flavor

    Pungent, intensely sour, bitter, aromatic (辛、酸、微苦、大香)

    Meridians

    Liver (肝), Spleen (脾), Lung (肺)

    Traditional Edict

    Regulates Liver Qi, dispels miasmatic pestilence (Pi Hui Chu Zhang / 辟秽除瘴), eliminates foul odors, soothes scalp dandruff, and cleanses the spirit in royal postpartum Mandi Herba.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Fresh peel oil contains furocoumarins; avoid direct sun exposure on skin immediately after applying raw peel oil to prevent phototoxicity (phytophotodermatitis).

    Clinical Applications

    • Postpartum confinement cleansing baths, tension headaches, scalp seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff via Malassezia inhibition), digestive spasms, and natural mosquito repellency.

    Quality Markers

    (-)-Citronellal >= 65.0% in leaf oil & Limonene in peel oil (MHM standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. (-)-Citronellal (65-85% in leaves) and limonene (in peel) lyse fungal cell walls of Malassezia furfur and Candida albicans, eliminating stubborn scalp dandruff. 2. Essential oil crosses blood-brain barrier to modulate GABAergic neurotransmission, reducing stress and anxiety. 3. Volatile monoterpenes stimulate bile secretion.

    Preparation & Dosage

    Fresh double-winged leaves in culinary broths (Tom Yum/Curries): 3-5 leaves. Fresh/dried peel and fruit sliced for maternal postpartum bath (Mandi Limau Purut): 3-5 fruits boiled in 10 L water.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. Royal Malay Postpartum Herbal Cleansing Soak with Blumea balsamifera (Da Feng Ai), Cymbopogon nardus (Serai Wangi), and Limau Purut. 2. Scalp Anti-Dandruff Herbal Rinse with Fresh Crushed Fruit.

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    Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only