Pulsatilla chinensis
Bai Tou Weng
a perennial member of the Pulsatilla genus in the family Ranunculaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus
- Pulsatilla
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Fertility
- Insects
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Insects
Uses
Toxicity
Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Although no mention has been seen for this species, at least one member of the genus is slightly toxic, the toxins being dissipated by heat or by drying the plant[10].
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.
Bai Tou Weng is thought to clear toxicity and to lower fever. It is most commonly taken as a decoction to counter infection within the gastro-intestinal tract[7]. The root is anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent and sedative[1][3][6]. The root is an effective cure for bacterial and amoebic dysentery[3][6]. It is also used in the treatment of malaria, nose bleeds and haemorrhoids and is used externally to treat Trichomonas vaginitis[3][7]. The root is harvested in the autumn or before the plant comes into flower in the spring, it can be dried for later use[7]. The root contains the lactone protoanemonin which has an irritant and antibacterial action. Protoanemonin is destroyed when the root is dried[7]. The fresh herb is a cardiac and nervous sedative, producing a hypnotic state with a diminution of the senses followed by a paralysing action[6]. A constituent similar to digitalis can be extracted from the whole herb with the roots removed[3]. This is cardiotonic[3].
- Product or use
- Analgesic
- Product or use
- Antiinflammatory
- Product or use
- Antispasmodic
- Product or use
- Cardiotonic
- Product or use
- Hypnotic
- Product or use
- Sedative
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - N. China to E. Siberia.
- Habitat
- Dry grassy places and rocky hillsides[11][4]. Forest margins and slopes at elevations of 200 - 3200 metres in China[8].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 6+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early summer in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in about 2 - 3 weeks. Sow stored seed in late winter in a cold frame. Germination takes about 1 - 6 months at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in the spring. Root cuttings, 4cm long taken in early winter, potted up in a mixture of peat and sand[2]. They can also be taken in July/August, planted vertically in pots in a greenhouse or frame.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Requires a well-drained humus-rich gritty soil and a sunny position[5]. Tolerates alkaline soils[5]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[4]. They are said to be difficult to grow in Britain, requiring a dry winter and spring followed by a warm humid summer[4]. Large plants have a deep woody rootstock and transplant badly[5]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[9].
References
Kariyone. T. Atlas of Medicinal Plants.
Bird. R. (Editor) Focus on Plants. Volume 5. (formerly 'Growing from seed') Thompson and Morgan. 1991-00-00
Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985-00-00
Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9
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
Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148
Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977-00-00 ISBN 0-584-10141-4
Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394
Komarov. V. L. Flora of the USSR. Israel Program for Scientific Translation 1968-00-00