Lasia spinosa (L.) Thwaites
Aliases：Tiān Hé Yù (recorded in Lingnan Caiyao Lu — Records of Medicinal Herbs from Lingnan, literally "Heavenly River Taro"), Cì Yù (recorded in Guangzhou Zhiwu Zhi — Guangzhou Flora, literally "Spiny Taro"), Shuǐ Lè Gōu (recorded in Luchuan Bencao — Luchuan Materia Medica, literally "Water Thorn Hook"), Lè Méng (literally "Thorn Sprout"), Lè Yù (literally "Thorn Taro"), Lè Ǒu (recorded in Nanning Shiyao Zhi — Nanning Medicinal Materials Records, literally "Thorn Lotus Root"), Lè Cí Gū (recorded in Guangxi Bencao Xuanbian — Selected Compendium of Guangxi Herbal Medicine, literally "Thorn Arrowhead"), Lè Yù (literally "Thorn Taro"), Qiǎo Nán (local transliteration, meaning uncertain), Yě Cí Gū (literally "Wild Arrowhead"), Shān Cí Gū (recorded in Quanguo Zhongcaoyao Huibian — Compilation of National Chinese Herbal Medicines, literally "Mountain Arrowhead"), Shuǐ Lè Yù (literally "Water Thorn Taro"), Yǒu Lè Cí Gū (literally "Thorny Arrowhead"), Hàn Cí Gū (literally "Dry Arrowhead"), and Shān Lián Ǒu (used in Malaysia, literally "Mountain Lotus Root"). (These are all alternative names for Cí Gū, i.e., the rhizome or whole herb of Lasia spinosa / Lasia spinosa.)
Cí Gū (Lasia spinosa) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the rhizome or whole herb of Lasia spinosa (L.) Thwaites, a plant belonging to the family Araceae. It grows by fields, beside ditches, in damp grassy areas, and in bamboo groves at altitudes below 1,530 meters. It was first recorded in Lingnan Caiyao Lu (Records of Medicinal Herbs from Lingnan).
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat and promotes diuresis; removes toxicity and reduces swelling; strengthens the stomach and aids digestion.
Indications
Thirst due to febrile diseases, lung‑heat cough, dark yellow urine, nephritis with edema, leukorrhea, rheumatic arthralgia, traumatic swelling and pain, chronic gastritis, indigestion, infantile scalp sores, fetal toxicity, mumps (parotitis), tuberculous lymphadenitis, carbuncles, sores and boils, and snake bites.
Modern Pharmacology
It has the effects of clearing heat, promoting diuresis, detoxifying, and reducing inflammation.
Ingredients
The rhizome contains flavonoid glycosides, phenols, amino acids, organic acids, sugars, and other components.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 9–15 g. The traditional dosage is 3–5 qián (approximately 9–15 g). For topical application: decoct an appropriate amount in water and wash the affected area; or grind into powder and apply with a suitable base.
Selected Formulas
For leukorrhea, dysmenorrhea, nephritis, and turbid urine (Guangxi Bencao Xuanbian) Take 9-15g of the whole plant of Ci Yu (Lasia spinosa), decoct in water and drink, or stew with pork bones and consume. For wind-dampness impediment with pain and traumatic injuries (Guangxi Bencao Xuanbian) Take 9-15g of the whole plant of Ci Yu, decoct in water and drink; or take 60g of the whole plant, soak in 500g of wine for internal and external use. For carbuncles, furuncles, and mumps (Guangxi Bencao Xuanbian) Take fresh Ci Yu rhizome, crush and apply externally.
Medicinal Parts
Dried rhizome or whole herb.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
