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    Yemama Apothecary

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    Dampness-Draining, Edema-Alleviating & Anti-Inflammatory Diuretic (利水消肿 / 清热解毒利湿通淋药)

    闭鞘姜 / 樟柳头 / 水蕉花 — Costus speciosus (J.Koenig) Sm. (syn. Hellenia speciosa, Cheilocostus speciosus)

    Pinyin: Bìqiàojiāng / Zhāngliǔtóu · Malay: Setawar / Setawar Hutan / Tawar-tawar · Family: Costaceae (闭鞘姜科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cool to Cold (凉 / 微寒)

    Flavor

    Pungent, slightly bitter, sour (辛、微苦、微酸)

    Meridians

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

    Traditional Edict

    Clears toxic heat, drains dampness, unblocks urinary strangury, reduces edema, dispels swelling and stops itching. Malay master neutralizer (Setawar) for fevers, nephritis, and earaches.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Overdose of raw unboiled rhizome causes nausea. STRICTLY CONTRAINDICATED in pregnancy (emmenagogue uterine myometrial stimulating actions).

    Clinical Applications

    • Acute/chronic glomerulonephritis edema, nephrolithiasis, cystitis, acute otitis media (earache with discharge), Type 2 Diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

    Quality Markers

    Diosgenin (薯蓣皂苷元) >= 2.00% & Costunolide via HPLC (MHM standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Diosgenin (>= 2.0%) downregulates IKK/NF-kB and MAPK, suppressing COX-2, iNOS, and TNF-a in inflamed kidneys. 2. Promotes renal glomerular filtration and urinary sodium excretion without potassium depletion. 3. Fresh stem juice contains costunolide, eradicating otic pathogens (P. aeruginosa, S. aureus).

    Preparation & Dosage

    Dried sliced rhizomes decocted 20-30 minutes: 10-20 g daily (up to 30 g for severe edema). Fresh heated stem juice (Air Batang Setawar): 2-3 drops topically for otitis media. Standardized Diosgenin extract: 250-500 mg.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. Nanyang Nephritic Edema & Strangury Formula with Plantago asiatica (Che Qian Cao) and Smilax glabra (Tu Fu Ling). 2. Sovereign Otitis Media Ear Drops with Piper betle (Sirih).

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