Huangshui Zhi (Tiarella polyphylla D. Don)
Morphological Characteristics: It is a plant of the Saxifragaceae family, belonging to the genus Tiarella. A perennial herb growing 20-45 cm tall; the rhizome is horizontal, dark brown, with a diameter of 3-6 mm. The stem is unbranched and densely covered with glandular hairs. The basal leaves have long petioles, with heart-shaped leaf blades measuring 2-8 cm in length and 2.5-10 cm in width. The raceme is 8-25 cm long, densely covered with glandular hairs; the flower stalk can be up to 1 cm long and is also covered with glandular hairs; the sepals are upright during flowering, ovate, about 1.5 mm long and 0.8 mm wide, with slightly pointed tips, glabrous on the ventral side, and the filaments are drill-shaped; there are 2 carpels, unequal in size, fused at the base, with the ovary nearly superior, and 2 styles. The capsule is 7-12 mm long; the seeds are black-brown, oval-spherical, about 1 mm long. The chromosome number is 2n=14, 18. The flowering and fruiting period is from April to November.
Ecological Characteristics: It reproduces through seeds and vegetative propagation. It grows in forests, shrubs, and moist areas at altitudes of 980-3800 meters. In China, it is mainly distributed in the Yangtze River basin and southern regions.
Main Value: Medicinal. The whole herb is used in medicine.
Taste and Properties: Cold in nature, bitter in taste, non-toxic.
Meridian Affinity: Enters the Lung meridian.
Functions: Clears heat and detoxifies, activates blood circulation and removes stasis, reduces swelling and alleviates pain.
Indications: Treats carbuncles and boils, traumatic injuries, as well as cough and asthma.