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    Yemama Apothecary

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    Blood-Activating, Postpartum Uterine-Contracting & Diuretic Sovereign (活血调经 / 利尿消肿清热解毒凉血通络 — 妇科经产圣药)

    益母草 / 坤草 / 益母艾 / 贞蔚 / 茺蔚子 — Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (syn. Leonurus artemisia)

    Pinyin: Yìmǔcǎo / Kūncǎo / Chōngwèizǐ · Malay: Kacangma / Kacangma Sarawak / Seranting · Family: Lamiaceae (唇形科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cool to Neutral (平 / 微寒)

    Flavor

    Bitter, pungent (苦、微辛)

    Meridians

    Liver (肝), Heart (心), Urinary Bladder (膀胱)

    Traditional Edict

    Kacangma (Yi Mu Cao / Benefit-Mother Herb). Pillar of Sarawak Hakka maternal confinement chicken wine (Kacangma Ga). Activates blood circulation, expels retained postpartum lochia, firms the womb, and resolves acute nephritis edema.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • CRITICAL PREGNANCY WARNING: Stimulates myometrial contractions and can induce abortion or premature labor. STRICTLY CONTRAINDICATED IN PREGNANCY. Safe and sovereign in postpartum use.

    Clinical Applications

    • Postpartum uterine subinvolution (accelerating lochial drainage and myometrial tone), spasmodic dysmenorrhea, secondary amenorrhea from blood stasis, and acute glomerulonephritis edema with hematuria.

    Quality Markers

    Leonurine (益母草碱) >= 0.50% & Stachydrine >= 0.40% (Chinese Pharmacopoeia standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Leonurine mobilizes myometrial calcium stores, generating rhythmic, coordinated physiological uterine contractions that compress spiral vessels and expel lochia without tetanic spasm. 2. Stachydrine suppresses RAAS, clearing nephritis edema. 3. Endothelial eNOS vasodilation.

    Preparation & Dosage

    THE SOVEREIGN SARAWAK HAKKA KACANGMA CHICKEN WINE (Kacangma Ga): 50 g toasted crushed Kacangma simmered with chicken, sesame oil, Bentong ginger, and 500 mL Hakka Glutinous Rice Wine (Tuak). Dried herb decoction: 15-30 g daily. Paste: 10-15 g.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Postpartum Lochia-Purging Synergy with Dang Gui and Halia Bara in Rice Wine. 2. Acute Nephritis Edema & Strangury Formula with Imperata cylindrica (Bai Mao Gen).

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