千日红 / 百日红 / 千日草 / 火球花 — Gomphrena globosa L.

Pinyin: Qiānrìhóng / Bǎirìhóng · Malay: Bunga Butang / Bunga Butang Baju / Bunga Kenop · Family: Amaranthaceae (苋科)

Energetics

Neutral (平)

Flavor

Sweet, slightly astringent (甘、微涩)

Meridians

Lung (肺), Liver (肝)

Traditional Edict

A Thousand Days of Crimson. Papery purple flower heads retain color for years. Diffuses Lung to calm wheezing, stops whooping cough (Bai Ri Ke), clears Liver fire, brightens vision, and settles infantile fright.

Cautions & Contraindications

Do not confuse with Centratherum punctatum (Pokok Butang). High clinical safety in both adults and children.

Clinical Applications

Bronchial asthma (relieving smooth muscle bronchospasm), acute/chronic spasmodic bronchitis, whooping cough, digital eye strain (ocular asthenopia), and pediatric febrile restlessness.

Quality Markers

Betacyanins (Gomphrenin I, II, III) >= 0.50% & Amaranthine (HPLC MHM standard)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. Betacyanin pigments relax histamine- and carbachol-contracted tracheal smooth muscle rings, elevating cAMP and downregulating LTC4 for antiasthmatic relief. 2. Isorhamnetin scavenges retinal free radicals, protecting macular cells. 3. GABA-A neuro-sedation.

Preparation & Dosage

Whole dried purple flower heads steeped as tea (Qianrihong Cha): 3-9 g (5-10 blossoms). Pediatric Cough Stew with pork lung/snow pear (Qianrihong Dun Zhufei): 10 g simmered 1 hour. Extract: 200-400 mg.

Appended Prescriptions

1. The Sovereign Pediatric Whooping Cough Synergy with Plectranthus scutellarioides (Ati-ati) and Stemona. 2. Liver-Fire Vision-Brightening Floral Tea with Chrysanthemum and Goji.

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