Eclipta (Han Lian Cao) ~ Eclipta prostata

Eclipta (Han Lian Cao)

Latin name: Eclipta prostata

Family: Asteraceae

Part used: herb, roots, leaves

Habitat: China, southwestern U.S., India (related species)

Main constituents: steroidal alkaloids

Energetics: sweet, sour, cool

Main herbal actions: cholagogue (roots and leaves); emetic, tonic, purgative, alterative(root); vulnerary alterative, antipyretic, nervine, hemostatic, rejuvenative, laxative, tonic, (herb); hepatic tonic (leaf juice)

Minor herbal actions: antiseptic (juice), tonifying to teeth, bones, hearing memory, and sight

Main medicinal uses: liver cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, anemia, dysentery, eye diseases, asthma, skin inflammation, cuts, abrasions, burns

Minor medicinal uses: liver enlargement, jaundice and other ailments of the liver and gall bladder, upper respiratory congestion; traditionally used to prevent aging and rejuvenate the hair

Preparations: fresh expressed juice: 5-10 ml tid; decoction of root: 1tsp/cup water; leaf power: 3-5 g bid

Contraindications: none known

Toxicity: can cause severe chills

Comment: Overlap between information available on Indian and Chinese species. Both systems use as primary herb for haior and graying of hair.

Sources: http://www.tropilab.com/eclipta.html; http://www.holistic-online.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h130.htm; http://www.niam.com/corp-web/eclipta.htm0