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    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Wind-Damp Dispelling, Bone-Knitting & Phlegm-Transforming Sovereign (祛风除湿 / 散瘀止痛接骨生肌舒筋通络止咳化痰 — 岭南与南洋接骨止痛第一鸭脚木)

    鸭脚木 / 鹅掌柴同属 / 伞树 / 澳洲鸭脚木 / 八叶五加同属 — Schefflera actinophylla (Endl.) Harms (and Schefflera heptaphylla)

    Pinyin: Yājiǎomù / Ézhǎngchái / Sǎnshù · Malay: Pokok Payung / Daun Payung / Pokok Gurita · Family: Araliaceae (五加科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cool to Neutral (平 / 微凉)

    Flavor

    Bitter, astringent, slightly pungent (苦、涩、微辛、微凉)

    Meridians

    Liver (肝), Spleen (脾), Lung (肺), Kidney (肾)

    Traditional Edict

    Umbrella Tree (Pokok Payung / Ya Jiao Mu / E Zhang Chai). Palmately arranged umbrella leaves and octopus flower spikes. Lingnan orthopedic sovereign: knits closed bone fractures (Jie Gu), dissipates traumatic hematomas, unblocks rheumatic joint stiffness, calms phlegm cough.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Apply poultices primarily to closed traumatic fractures after proper orthopedic reduction. High clinical and orthopedic safety profile. Safe in lactation; moderate internal doses during pregnancy.

    Clinical Applications

    • Closed traumatic bone fractures and ligamentous sprains (callus mineralization), chronic rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar myofascial strain, acute tracheobronchitis, and influenza fevers.

    Quality Markers

    Asiatic Acid, Scheffoleosides A & B (Triterpenoid saponins) >= 1.50% & Ursolic Acid (HPLC Chinese Pharmacopoeia)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Asiatic acid and scheffoleosides stimulate osteoblast Runx2 and alkaline phosphatase mineralization, accelerating fracture callus union. 2. Downregulates synovial NF-kB and COX-2 for joint pain. 3. Saponin expectorant action.

    Preparation & Dosage

    THE SOVEREIGN YA JIAO MU BONE-SETTING & DIE DA POULTICE: 50 g fresh leaves pounded with 10 mL rice wine and a pinch of turmeric; applied over closed bone fractures and sprains, bound with splints. Decoction for arthritis/cough: 15-30 g dried bark/leaves.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Orthopedic Bone-Setting & Callus Synergy with Cissus quadrangularis and Spatholobus. 2. Anti-Rheumatic Joint-Dredging Decoction with Morinda umbellata.

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