Leonurus japonicus
an annual or biennial member of the Leonurus genus in the family Labiatae.
Taxonomy and growth
Uses
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
This plant (and other closely related species) is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[5]. The leaves are diuretic and are placed in bath water to relieve itching and painful shingles[5]. The dried flowers are emmenagogue and are also used in pregnancy and to help expel the placenta after giving birth[5]. The juice of the stems is vulnerary[5]. The fruit is antibacterial, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, ophthalmic and vasodilator[3][5]. It is used in the treatment of abnormal menstruation, nebula and conjunctivitis[3]. The seed is aphrodisiac, diuretic, emmenagogue, ophthalmic and is also used in the treatment of various women's complaints[2][5]. The plant was ranked number one in a survey of 250 potential antifertility plants in China[5]. The seed is used in the treatment of conjunctivitis and night blindness[2]. The aerial parts of the plant are alterative, antibacterial, antifungal, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, vasodilator and vulnerary[3][5]. The whole plant is decocted, either on its own or with other herbs, as an ophthalmic[5]. It is used in the treatment of abnormal menstruation, postpartum abdominal pain, tumours, uterine bleeding, oedema, eczema and purulent abscess[3]. It is also used externally as a poultice for bruises[5]. Stimulates blood circulation[2]. (The part of the plant used is not made clear.)
- Product or use
- Alterative
- Product or use
- Antibacterial
- Product or use
- Antifungal
- Product or use
- Aphrodisiac
- Product or use
- Birthing aid
- Product or use
- Contraceptive
- Product or use
- Depurative
- Product or use
- Diuretic
- Product or use
- Emmenagogue
- Product or use
- Hypotensive
- Product or use
- Ophthalmic
- Product or use
- Poultice
- Product or use
- Vasodilator
- Product or use
- Vulnerary
- Product or use
- Women's complaints
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - China.
- Habitat
- Waste places, hillsides, roadsides and gardens[2]. Sunny areas to elevations of 3,400 metres all over China[6].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils[4]. Prefers a poor soil[1]. There is some doubt over the correct name for this species, a recent work suggested that it should be L. artemisia (Lour.)S.Y.Hu. - at least in as much as it refers to the medicinal plant in China[5].
References
International Bee Research Association. Garden Plants Valuable to Bees. International Bee Research Association. 1981-00-00
? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X
Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985-00-00
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/