Chinese Holly Leaf

Primarily produced in the area throughout the central and lower regions of the Yangtze River.

Semi-rectangular or round rectangular, sometimes has a long oval shape, 3~8cm long, 1.5~4cm wide. Tip has 3 relatively large hard thorns, and the one on the apex often curls up; base is flat or wide wedge-shaped, the two sides sometimes each have 1~3 thorns, the edges are slightly curled over. Long oval leaves often have no thorns. Upper surface is yellowish-green or greenish-brown, lustrous, lower surface is grayish-yellow or grayish-green. Leaf veins are pinniform, petioles are relatively short. Leathery, hard and thick. faint odor; slightly bitter taste.

Superior medicinal material is green and large.

Bitter; cool.

Supplements the liver and kidney, nourishes qi and blood, dispels wind-damp. Apply to tuberculous empsyxis, hemorrhage due to exhausted injury, weakness of waist and knees, wind-damp impediment, traumatic injury.