Witnessed by: TCM
Rabdosia (Rabdosia rubescens), of the Lamiaceae family. Erect aromatic subshrub of dry slopes; native range: hills of central China, notably the Taihang range. Globally recognized as dong ling cao (冬凌草) in Chinese, and blushred rabdosia in English. The part used is aerial parts. Reddish square stems and toothed leaves, markedly bitter with a cooling finish.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
RABDOSIA
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- rabdosia
- Scientific name
- Rabdosia rubescens (Hemsl.) H.Hara
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Form
- Part used
- aerial parts
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter · sweet
Temperature
- TCM
- cool
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Lung · Stomach · Liver
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- clears heat, resolves toxicity, invigorates the blood, and relieves pain
Cautions
- Contraindications
- use cautiously in Spleen and Stomach cold from deficiency
- Toxicity
- large doses may irritate the stomach
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