Witnessed by: TCM
Cowherb (Vaccaria segetalis), of the Caryophyllaceae family. Erect annual weed of cultivated and fallow ground; native range: temperate Eurasia; a weed of grain fields across northern China. Globally recognized as wang bu liu xing (王不留行) in Chinese, and cowherb, vaccaria seed in English. The part used is ripe seed. Small hard blue-black spherical seeds, faintly bitter, without aroma.
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.
COWHERB
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- cowherb
- Scientific name
- Vaccaria segetalis (Neck.) Garcke
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
Form
- Part used
- ripe seed
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter
Temperature
- TCM
- neutral
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Liver · Stomach
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- invigorates the blood, unblocks the channels, promotes menstruation and lactation, promotes urination
Cautions
- Contraindications
- contraindicated during pregnancy owing to its strong blood-moving action
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