Jin Yin Hua (金银花)
is the flower bud of the perennial semi-evergreen climbing plant, Lonicera japonica (忍冬).
It is distributed throughout various regions in China.
It is harvested in early summer when the flowers are still in bud and dried in the shade.
It can be used raw or prepared as a decoction.
【Properties and Flavor】
Sweet, Cold.
Enters the Lung (肺), Stomach (胃), and Large Intestine (大肠) meridians.
【Functions】
Clears heat and detoxifies.
【Applications】
1. Used for external invasion of wind-heat or initial stages of warm diseases, with fever and slight aversion to wind and cold.
This herb can clear heat and detoxify, and has a mild dispersing effect. It is often combined with Jing Jie (荆芥穗) and Lian Qiao (连翘) to enhance its dispersing and heat-clearing power, as in Yin Qiao San (银翘散);
If heat enters the Qi level, with strong fever, thirst, and a rapid pulse, Jin Yin Hua can be used with Shi Gao (石膏), Zhi Mu (知母), and Lian Qiao for a more pronounced fire-clearing and detoxifying effect;
If heat enters the Ying and Blood levels, presenting with subtle rashes, a red and dry tongue, and irritability with insomnia, this herb can be combined with Dan Pi (丹皮) and Sheng Di Huang (生地黄) to clear the Ying and protect the Yin, cool the blood, and detoxify.
2. Used for sores, abscesses, and boils.
This herb is commonly used in surgery to clear heat and detoxify. It can be used alone or combined with Pu Gong Ying (蒲公英), Ye Ju Hua (野菊花), and Zi Hua Di Ding (紫花地丁) to enhance detoxification and swelling reduction, as in Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin (五味消毒饮); or the fresh herb can be pounded and applied externally.
It is also suitable for intestinal abscesses, often combined with Yi Ren (苡仁), Huang Qin (黄芩), and Dang Gui (当归), as in Qing Chang Yin (清肠饮).
The volatile components of Jin Yin Hua can be made into a decoction to clear heat and relieve summer heat, as well as clear the head and eyes.
3. Used for heat-toxicity causing dysentery, with symptoms of pus and blood in the stool.
When used alone, a strong decoction can be taken frequently to detoxify, cool the blood, and stop dysentery. In severe cases, it can be combined with Huang Lian (黄连), Bai Tou Weng (白头翁), and Chi Shao (赤芍).
【Dosage】10-15g. For external use, apply an appropriate amount.
Jin Yin Hua (This image is sourced from the internet)
【Literature Summary】
“Ben Cao Shi Yi” states: “It is indicated for heat toxicity, blood dysentery, and watery dysentery. Take it in a strong decoction.”
“Ben Cao Gang Mu” states: “It disperses all wind, dampness, and various swellings, toxins, and skin diseases, clearing heat and detoxifying.”
“Chongqing Tang Sui Bi” states: “It clears the channels of wind-heat and excess heat, resolving warm epidemic filth and evil turbidity.”
【Related Herb】Rin Dong Teng (忍冬藤)
is the stem and leaves of Lonicera japonica, also known as Jin Hua Teng (银花藤). The tender branches with leaves are harvested in autumn and winter, dried, and used raw. Its properties and effects are similar to Jin Yin Hua, but it is more commonly used for abscesses and toxic sores.
It is often combined with Lian Qiao and Pu Gong Ying; when combined with Huang Qi (黄芪), Dang Gui, and Gan Cao (甘草), it has detoxifying and internal support effects, as in Shen Xiao Tuo Li San (神效托里散).
This herb can also clear wind-damp heat from the channels and relieve pain, thus it is used for wind-damp heat bi syndrome, with symptoms of redness, swelling, pain, and limited movement in the joints.
【Dosage】16-20g, decocted or soaked in wine for drinking.
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