Bencao Gangmu Reference Library
七星针 / 玫瑰仙人掌 — Pereskia bleo (Kunth) DC.
Pinyin: Qīxīngzhēn · Malay: Jarum Tujuh Bilah / Pokok Duri Tujuh · Family: Cactaceae (仙人掌科)
Energetics
Neutral to slightly Cool (平 / 微凉)
Flavor
Bland, slightly sweet, faintly sour, mucilaginous (淡、微甘、微酸、滑)
Meridians
Liver (肝), Stomach (胃), Large Intestine (大肠)
Traditional Edict
Activates blood and dissolves stasis (活血化瘀), dispels hard swellings and relieves pain (消肿止痛), clears toxic heat and regenerates tissue (解毒生肌). Revered in Singapore & Malaysia for traumatic injuries, deep bruising, hard inflammatory swellings, and hemorrhoids.
Cautions & Contraindications
- Beware of sharp stem spines when harvesting. Fresh leaves must be air-wilted for 24-48 hours before oil infusion to eliminate unbound water and prevent microbial mold.
Clinical Applications
- Severe deep contusions, sports sprains/hematomas, hard inflammatory bumps, thrombosed hemorrhoid swelling, diabetic wound bed repair, and gastric mucosal protection.
Quality Markers
Mechanism & Phytochemistry
1. Phytosterols (b-sitosterol, stigmasterol) and a-tocopherol downregulate inflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-1b) and accelerate capillary microcirculation. 2. Succulent mucilage polysaccharides form a protective bio-barrier, reducing friction and tissue trauma. 3. Natural alkaloid and phenolic fractions inhibit bacterial adherence.
Preparation & Dosage
YeMama Zero-Water Trauma Balm: Air-wilted leaves infused into pure sesame oil over double boiler for 4 hours, solidified with 15% beeswax. Apply liberally 3-5 times daily. Fresh culinary/medicinal leaves: 10-20 leaves.
Appended Prescriptions
- 1. YeMama Seven-Star Advanced Trauma & Bruise Balm with Pure Sesame Oil and Beeswax. 2. Diabetic Ulcer Regeneration Synergy with Basella rubra (Yanzi Teng) and Clinacanthus nutans.
Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only