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    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Aromatic Damp-Transforming, Pediatric Antidiarrheal & Dermatological Sovereign (芳香化湿 / 健脾开胃解表清暑清热解毒止泻消疳止痒 — 岭南与南洋小儿腹泻疳积第一水蜡烛草 / 湿疹皮肤瘙痒圣药)

    耳叶水蜡烛 / 水薄荷 / 假薄荷 / 狗尾草 / 假水苏 — Pogostemon auricularius (L.) Hassk. (syn. Dysophylla auricularia)

    Pinyin: Ěryè Shuǐlàzhú / Shuǐbòhe · Malay: Ekor Kucing Air / Ekor Anjing Air / Pokok Ekor Kucing · Family: Lamiaceae (唇形科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Neutral to Cool (平 / 微凉)

    Flavor

    Pungent, slightly bitter, aromatic, minty-peppery with cool patchouli notes (辛、微苦、芳香、清凉)

    Meridians

    Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Lung (肺), Large Intestine (大肠)

    Traditional Edict

    Water Candle (Ekor Kucing Air / Er Ye Shui La Zhu). Fuzzy cylindrical lilac bottle-brush flower spikes. Sovereign monarch for pediatric gastrointestinal disorders (Xiao Er Gan Ji): halts infant vomiting, binds acute watery diarrhea, clears weeping eczema.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Mild and non-toxic nature suitable for young children and infants. High safety profile. In severe pediatric dehydration, combine with oral/IV rehydration therapy. Safe in pregnancy.

    Clinical Applications

    • Pediatric acute rotaviral/bacterial gastroenteritis, childhood food stagnation and malnutrition with abdominal distension (Xiao Er Gan Ji), atopic dermatitis, weeping eczema, and summer-heat flu.

    Quality Markers

    Auriculatin (Flavone) >= 0.50%, Pogostone (广藿香酮) >= 0.30% & Ursolic Acid (HPLC MHM standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Pogostone and auriculatin inhibit intestinal L-type calcium channels, halting colic spasms while stimulating pepsin secretion. 2. Antimicrobial lysis against E. coli and Salmonella. 3. Ursolic acid suppresses mast cell histamine release.

    Preparation & Dosage

    THE SOVEREIGN PEDIATRIC GASTRO-CALMING & ANTIDIARRHEAL DECOCTION: 10 to 15 g dried herb (or 25 g fresh) boiled with Shan Zha and fresh ginger in 300 mL water for 15 min; 30-50 mL warm 3x daily for infants. Eczema bath: 50-100 g boiled in 2 L water.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Pediatric Malnutrition & Food Stagnation Synergy with Paederia foetida (Daun Sekentut) and Shan Yao. 2. Infantile Weeping Eczema Bath with Centella asiatica (Pegaga).

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