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    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Heat-Clearing, Food-Stagnation Transforming & Dysentery-Arresting (清热解毒 / 利湿止痢消积化滞凉血生肌药)

    三花山蚂蝗 / 三花三叶草 / 小三叶草 / 斑鸠窝 — Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC.

    Pinyin: Sānhuā Shānmǎhuáng / Sānhuā Sānyècǎo · Malay: Sisik Betok / Rumput Sisik Betok / Rumput Kerbau Duduk · Family: Fabaceae (豆科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cool to Neutral (平 / 微凉)

    Flavor

    Sweet, bland, slightly bitter, astringent (甘、淡、微苦、涩)

    Meridians

    Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Liver (肝), Large Intestine (大肠)

    Traditional Edict

    Fish scale carpet herb (Sisik Betok). Clears toxic heat, transforms food accumulation in infantile malnutrition (Gan Ji / 疳积), binds intestines to stop bloody dysentery, and knits burn wounds.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • High safety in pediatric and geriatric use. Discontinue once acute diarrhea resolves to avoid rebound constipation.

    Clinical Applications

    • Pediatric rotaviral/bacillary dysentery, infantile food stagnation (Gan Ji), functional dyspepsia, acute infectious hepatitis, burn wound healing, and weeping eczema.

    Quality Markers

    Vitexin, Isovitexin >= 0.50% & Condensed Tannins (HPLC MHM standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Vitexin and flavone C-glycosides suppress enterotoxins and inhibit cAMP fluid hypersecretion, while tannins precipitate mucosal proteins to arrest diarrhea. 2. D-Pinitol accelerates gastric emptying. 3. Hypaphorine GABA sedation.

    Preparation & Dosage

    Whole dried herb in decoction: 15-30 g daily. The Sovereign Pediatric Food-Stagnation Broth (Gan Ji Tang): 30 g fresh herb simmered with lean pork/chicken gizzard for 1 hour. Fresh poultice for burns: 30-50 g.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Pediatric Diarrhea Synergy with Portulaca oleracea and Pueraria lobata. 2. Nanyang Dermal Burn & Eczema Salve with Centella asiatica (Pegaga) and Virgin Coconut Oil.

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