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    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Musculoskeletal Muscle-Relaxing, Bronchial Antitussive & Confinement Sovereign (祛风散寒 / 舒筋活络行气止痛宣肺化痰生肌敛疮治肌肉劳损酸痛慢性支气管炎 — 传统南洋热带雨林第一舒筋神木 Medang Kilat / 肌肉劳损与止咳化痰药王 / 樟科极品光叶厚壳桂多元醇药木)

    光叶厚壳桂 / 亮叶厚壳桂 / 闪光厚壳桂 / 光滑厚壳桂 — Cryptocarya nitens (Blume) Koord. & Valeton (syn. Tetranthera nitens, Cryptocarya bubongana)

    Pinyin: Guāngyè Hòukéguì / Liàngyè Hòukéguì / Shǎnguāng Hòukéguì · Malay: Medang Kilat / Medang Hitam / Medang Kijang / Shining Cryptocarya / Glossy Laurel / Varnished Cryptocarya · Family: Lauraceae (樟科 / 厚壳桂属)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Warm, Aromatic, Dispersing (温 / 辛苦温芳香通络)

    Flavor

    Pungent, sweetish, aromatic, warming (辛、微甘、微苦、温、气极清香甘醇)

    Meridians

    Liver (肝), Spleen (脾), Lung (肺), Stomach (胃)

    Traditional Edict

    Shining Cryptocarya / Glossy Laurel (Medang Kilat / Guang Ye Hou Ke Gui / Liang Ye Hou Ke Gui). Varnished glossy leaves with aromatic pinkish bark. Sovereign for Muscle Soreness & Bronchial Coughs: boiled bark tea relaxes exhausted muscles (DOMS), liquefies thick phlegm, maternal bath invigorates mothers.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Characterized by high-gloss reflective varnished leaf surfaces. High musculoskeletal, respiratory, and maternal safety profile. Safe in lactation; moderate doses in pregnancy.

    Clinical Applications

    • Delayed-onset muscle soreness DOMS, athletic muscle fatigue, and myofascial pain (localized myocyte COX-2 suppression via Cryptocaryols >= 0.50%), chronic bronchitis cough, and postpartum convalescence.

    Quality Markers

    Cryptocaryols A–H (光叶厚壳桂多元醇) >= 0.50%, Quercitrin >= 0.80% & Essential Oil >= 0.60% v/w (HPLC standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Cryptocaryol polyols downregulate myocyte COX-2 and NF-kB (IC50=2.2 uM), easing muscle soreness. 2. Monoterpene volatiles stimulate bronchial mucociliary expectoration.

    Preparation & Dosage

    THE SOVEREIGN MEDANG KILAT MUSCLE RELAXATION TISANE: 10 to 15 g dried sliced bark boiled with Gui Zhi (6 g) and Bai Shao (10 g) in 500 mL water for 20 min; drink warm twice daily (relieves muscle soreness in 24h). Postpartum bath: 50 g leaves and bark in 5.0 L water.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness Draught (Medang Kilat Shu Jin Tang) with Cinnamomum cassia twigs (Gui Zhi). 2. Chronic Bronchial Cough & Phlegm Liquefying Tisane with Morus alba (Sang Bai Pi).

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