Hàn Lián Cǎo (旱莲草) — Eclipta
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Hàn Lián Cǎo (旱莲草), also known as Mò Hàn Lián, is the aerial parts of Eclipta prostrata. It belongs to the category of Cool herbs that nourish Yin in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine to nourish Liver and Kidney Yin, cool the Blood and stop bleeding. It is classically paired with Nǚ Zhēn Zǐ in Èr Zhì Wán (Two Solstice Pill).
I prescribe Hàn Lián Cǎo as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Hàn Lián Cǎo |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 旱莲草 |
| Latin name | Eclipta prostrata |
| English name | Eclipta / False daisy |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Sweet, sour |
| Channels entered | Liver, Kidney |
| Category | Cool herbs that nourish Yin |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Nourishes and tonifies Liver and Kidney Yin
- Cools the Blood and stops bleeding
Indications
- Premature greying of hair and premature hair loss from Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency
- Dizziness, blurred vision and tinnitus from Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency
- Bleeding from heat in the Blood: haematemesis, haemoptysis, epistaxis, haematuria, bloody stool
- Excessive uterine bleeding with heat features
4. Modern research
Eclipta contains coumestans (wedelolactone, demethylwedelolactone), triterpene saponins (eclalbasaponins) and flavonoids. Studies report hepatoprotective, antihaemorrhagic and immunomodulatory activity. Wedelolactone has documented hepatoprotective effects against carbon tetrachloride and venom-induced injury in animal studies. Eclipta is also used in Ayurveda for hair and liver health.
5. Cautions and contraindications
Contraindicated in cold-deficient Spleen patterns with loose stools. Generally very well tolerated.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Hàn Lián Cǎo as part of tailored herbal formulas for premature greying and hair thinning, perimenopausal hot flushes with dryness, mild bleeding from heat-in-the-blood patterns, and supportive care for chronic liver patterns. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.
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