Spreading Hedyotis Herb

Primarily produced in the Chinese area south of the Yangtze River.

The whole herb is tangled into clumps. Externally grayish-green or grayish-brown. Tap root is thin and long, about 2mm thick; rootlets are thin and fibrous, pale grayish-brown. Stems are thin, curly, brittle-texture and easily broken; center has white pith. Leaves are shrunken, broken and easily fallen; stipules are 1~2mm long. Flowers and fruit are singular or grow in pairs on angles of the stem; flowers have short and slightly thick flower stem. Capsule is a flat spherical shape, 2~2.5mm diameter; divided ventricles; calyx persistent with 4 cleavages, with short stinging hairs on the edge. faint odor; taste bland.

Superior grades have intact stems and leaves, a grayish-green color and full fruits.

Bitter, tasteless; cold.

Clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing pains, removing stasis, inducing urination and eliminating moisture. Apply to variable inflammations.