Uraria picta (Jacq.) Desv. ex DC.
Aliases：Měi Huā Lí Wěi Dòu (literally "Beautiful‑flower Uraria"), Māo Wěi Fēng (recorded in Guangxi Yaoyong Zhiwu Minglu — Guangxi Medicinal Plants Directory), Hú Li Wěi (recorded in Sichuan Changyong Zhongcaoyao — Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Medicines of Sichuan), and Tuì Qū Cǎo (recorded in Quanguo Zhongcaoyao Huibian — Compilation of National Chinese Herbal Medicines). (These are all alternative names for Mì Mǎ, i.e., the branches and leaves of Uraria picta.)
Mì Mǎ is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the branches and leaves of Uraria picta (Jacq.) Desv. ex DC., a plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. It grows at the foot of mountains, on roadsides, on slopes, and in open fields at altitudes of 500 to 800 meters. It is recorded in Guizhou Minjian Yaowu (Folk Medicines of Guizhou).
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels cold and dampness.
Indications
Common cold with fever, and muscle soreness.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 6–12 g.
Contraindications
Not suitable for patients with internal damp‑heat.
Selected Formulas
For dizziness and restlessness (Color Illustrated Handbook of Chinese Folk Raw Herbal Medicines) Take 15g of Mi Ma (a local herb) root, decoct in water and take in one dose. For poor appetite (Color Illustrated Handbook of Chinese Folk Raw Herbal Medicines) Take 6g of Mi Ma root and 3g of Bazhao Jinlong (a local herb). Decoct in water and take in one dose. For wind-cold cold with fever (Color Illustrated Handbook of Chinese Folk Raw Herbal Medicines) Take 15g of Mi Ma, 10g of Jingjie (Schizonepeta tenuifolia), and 3g of Xixin (Asarum sieboldii). Decoct in water, divide into 2 warm doses. For painful and difficult urination (Color Illustrated Handbook of Chinese Folk Raw Herbal Medicines) Take 15g of Mi Ma, 12g of Danzhuye (Lophatherum gracile), 10g of Mutong (Akebia quinata), 18g of Shengdihuang (Rehmannia glutinosa), and 6g of Gancaoshao (Licorice root tip). Decoct in water, divide into 3 slightly warm doses. For muscle pain (Color Illustrated Handbook of Chinese Folk Raw Herbal Medicines) Take 15g of Mi Ma, 30g of Baishao (Paeonia lactiflora), and 6g of Gancao (Licorice). Decoct in water, divide into 3 warm doses.
Medicinal Parts
It is the branches and leaves of Uraria picta (Jacq.) Desv. ex DC., a plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. The root is also used medicinally.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
