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    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Heat-Clearing, Strangury-Unblocking & Transdermal Anti-Swelling (清热解毒 / 利水消肿通淋利湿清肝明目消肿止痛药)

    绒叶闭鞘姜 / 柔毛闭鞘姜 / 梯叶闭鞘姜 — Costus malortieanus H.Wendl. (syn. Chamaecostus malortieanus)

    Pinyin: Róngyè Bìqiàojiāng / Róumáo Bìqiàojiāng · Malay: Setawar Beludru / Setawar Bulu / Setawar Daun Beludru · Family: Costaceae (闭鞘姜科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cool (微寒 / 凉)

    Flavor

    Bitter, pungent, bland, slightly sour (苦、辛、淡、微酸)

    Meridians

    Kidney (肾), Urinary Bladder (膀胱), Liver (肝)

    Traditional Edict

    Velvet Spiral Ginger (Setawar Beludru). Pleated emerald-jade leaves clothed in velvety shimmering hairs. Clears toxic heat, unblocks burning painful strangury (Kencing Panas), relieves nephritis edema, dissolves joint sprains.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Boil rhizomes before internal use (raw saponins cause mild nausea). STRICTLY CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy (mild oxytocic uterine-contracting dynamics) and cold watery diarrhea.

    Clinical Applications

    • Acute uncomplicated cystitis, urethritis, acute glomerulonephritis edema, hyperuricemic gouty inflammation, post-traumatic joint sprains and contusions, and contact dermatitis.

    Quality Markers

    Diosgenin (薯蓣皂苷元) >= 1.20%, Tigogenin & Costunolide (HPLC MHM standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Diosgenin downregulates NF-kB and COX-2 in renal tubular epithelium and synovial joints, resolving dysuria and swelling. 2. Costunolide lyses uropathogenic bacteria. 3. High-molecular mucilage accelerates hematoma reabsorption.

    Preparation & Dosage

    THE SOVEREIGN VELVET LEAF POULTICE: 30-50 g fresh velvety leaves crushed with salt and ginger juice applied over sprained joints and contusions. Rhizome/stem decoction: 10-20 g daily for cystitis. Extract: 200-400 mg.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Nanyang Acute Cystitis Decoction with Plantago asiatica and Orthosiphon stamineus. 2. Rainforest Traumatic Sprain Poultice with Zingiber montanum (Plai).

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