Sarcandra glabra

Sarcandra glabra

Other Names : Cao Shan Hu, Jiu Jie Cha, Guan yin cha, Senryo, herba sarcandrae, glabrous sarcandra herb
Sarcandra Glabra grows in Asia in general and especially in China, Philippines, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka and other areas including areas of North, Central, and South America and some areas of the Pacific.

Health Benefits and Uses of Sarcandra glabra

Sarcandra Glabra is a warm herb and can have both a bitter and sweet taste. It is a Wind-dispelling, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, adaptogen and antitumor herb (Dong et al., 1998). Pungent in taste and neutral, it acts on the large intestine meridian.

• Strong detoxifying properties, helping to clear heat and toxic material. It can especially enhance cellular energy production.
• Increases Platelet Count – Sarcandra Glabra also works to increase platelet count, making it very important for those undergoing cancer treatments and having thrombocytopenia.
• Protects Against Pneumonia – This wonderful herb also seems to protect a person from coming down with viral pneumonia.
• Cancer – Some studies show that Sarcandra Glabra can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. More studies to be done, but this herb has long been used in TCM for treating cancer. And there have been some studies showing that extracts of Sarcandra Glabra might help with leukemia. Sarcandra Glabra has been used for treating liver cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, and nasopharynx cancer.
• Anti-Inflammatory – Sarcandra Glabra contains rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and caffeoylquinic acid all of which are powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that help with arthritis, pain, swelling, and redness. And inflammation is the first step towards disease in general… so this herb can also help to keep us healthy in general.
• Anti-viral – Sarcandra Glabra contains compounds which are powerful anti-viral agents that help to prevent colds, flues, and other viral diseases.
• Protects Liver – Sarcandra Glabra also helps to protect and detoxify the liver. And because our liver is our first defense that protects us from disease this is very important.
• Improves Circulation – Sarcandra Glabra also helps to improver circulation.
• Helps with the Flu – And studies show that Sarcandra Glabra also prevents and lessen the severity of flues, making it very important for the elderly.
• Lowers Blood Sugar – New studies show that Sarcandra Glabra can lower blood sugar making important for those suffering from diabetes.
• Powerful Antioxidants – Sarcandra Glabra contains powerful antioxidants that help to slow aging and prevent and repair DNA damage.
• Lowers Cholesterol – Studies also show that Sarcandra Glabra can lower LDL or bad cholesterol thus helping to prevent cardiovascular disease and strokes.
• Helps with Stress – Sarcandra Glabra also helps with stress and supports the immune system thus helping to fight fatigue.
• Headaches – An infusion of the leaves is very good for treating tension headaches.
• New Compounds Being Discovered – There are lots of new compounds being discovered in Sarcandra Glabra, so we will just have to wait and see what new healing abilities this herb will have in the future.
• Edible Seeds – The seeds of this plant can be dried and roasted, and they taste a bit like sesame seeds.
• relives arthralgia : This herb dispels pathogenic Wind and relieves arthritis pain. It is commonly prescribed with cnidium, clematis and other herbs in decoction.

References

• Hocking, G.M., A Dictionary of Natural Products. 1997, Medford, NJ: Plexus Publishing, Inc.
• Hson-Mou Chang and Paul Pui-Hay, Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Materia Medica, World Scientific Pub Co Inc (May 2000), pages 30-37
• Pathogeny-Pathology Department, Institute of Materia Medica of Jiangxi College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The effects of Sarcandra Glabra on the immunologic function of organ. 1976
• Zhejiang Coordinating Group on the Clinical Studies of Sarcandra glabra, Xienyiyaoxue Zazhi (Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine) 1979
• Zhong, L., et al., The study on effect of Sarcandra glabra on prevention and treatment of thrombocytopenia by chemotherapy. Zhong Yao Cai 2005. 28(1): p. 35.
• Zhang, J.Z., Clinical observation of 26 cases of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura treated with Sarcandra glaber. J Tradit Chin Med 1981. 1(1): p. 61-2.