Liu Ji Nu Herb
- Chinese
- 刘寄奴
- Pinyin
- Liu Ji Nu
- Latin
- Herba Artemisiae Anomalae
Known in TCM as Liu Ji Nu (刘寄奴), this bitter, warm herb enters the Heart and Spleen. Traditionally, it invigorates Blood and dispels stasis, especially for traumatic injury, bruising, menstrual pain, and delayed or obstructed menses, most often applied for traumatic injury, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea. Modern research has identified Flavonoids among its active constituents.
Part used: Whole herb
Also Known As
Latin: Herba Artemisiae Anomalae | Pinyin: Liu Ji Nu | Chinese: 刘寄奴
TCM Properties
- Taste
- bitter
- Temperature
- warm
- Channels
- Heart, Spleen
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Invigorates Blood and dispels stasis, especially for traumatic injury, bruising, menstrual pain, and delayed or obstructed menses.
- Reduces swelling and relieves pain in trauma-focused practice, particularly when fixed pain and bruising reflect stagnant Blood.
- Moves obstructed lower-abdominal circulation in gynecologic patterns where cold, stagnation, or trauma has impaired normal flow.
Secondary Actions
- The imported English label `Siphonostegia` was incorrect for this stub ... the pinyin and Latin clearly place this page on the `Artemisia anomala` `Liu Ji Nu` lane.
- This record should stay distinct from `siphonostegia-2`, which is the true `Yin Xing Cao` / `Herba Siphonostegiae` page.
Classic Formulas
- Trauma and blood-stasis combinations with Tao Ren, Hong Hua, or Ru Xiang ... the main practical use of Liu Ji Nu.
- Menstrual-pain and amenorrhea pairings with Dang Gui and Yan Hu Suo ... the gynecologic blood-moving lane.
- Topical or decoction support for bruising and fixed pain ... a direct trauma-use tradition.
Classical References
- Traditional herbology describes Liu Ji Nu as bitter and warm, entering the Heart and Spleen to move Blood and relieve pain.
- Classical use centers on traumatic injury and menstrual stasis rather than on generalized exterior release.
- Older northern naming overlap with `Bei Liu Ji Nu` has caused confusion, but the accepted species here is Artemisia anomala.
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Flavonoids and sesquiterpenoid constituents from Artemisia anomala
- Anti-inflammatory extract fractions
- Phenolic and volatile constituents studied in whole-herb preparations
Studied Effects
- A 2023 review summarized the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and quality control of Artemisia anomala, providing the best modern overview for Liu Ji Nu (PMID 37245709).
- A 2022 study reported that ethanolic extract of Artemisia anomala exerted anti-inflammatory effects through NLRP3-inflammasome inhibition, a plausible laboratory correlate for its trauma and pain tradition (PMID 35597027).
- Earlier work also found potent anti-inflammatory activity in the ethyl acetate extract of Artemisia anomala, reinforcing the modern interest in the herb's inflammation-modulating fractions (PMID 24744815).
PubMed References
- Artemisia anomala S. Moore: A review of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and quality control. (2023)
- The ethanolic extract of Artemisia anomala exerts anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome. (2022)
- Ethyl Acetate Extract of Artemisia anomala S. Moore Displays Potent Anti-Inflammatory Effect. (2014)
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Heavy bleeding without stasis
- Marked Qi and Blood deficiency without obstructive pain
Cautions
- Because Liu Ji Nu moves Blood, it should not be self-used in active bleeding states or during pregnancy.
- The naming collision with `Bei Liu Ji Nu` makes accurate sourcing especially important.
Conditions
- Traumatic Injury Traditional ★★★★☆ JSON
- Dysmenorrhea Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Amenorrhea Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Abdominal Pain Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Liu Ji Nu Herb used for?
Liu Ji Nu Herb is traditionally used to Invigorates Blood and dispels stasis, especially for traumatic injury, bruising, menstrual pain, and delayed or obstructed menses., Reduces swelling and relieves pain in trauma-focused practice, particularly when fixed pain and bruising reflect stagnant Blood., Moves obstructed lower-abdominal circulation in gynecologic patterns where cold, stagnation, or trauma has impaired normal flow.. Research has investigated its effects on: A 2023 review summarized the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and quality control of Artemisia anomala, providing the best modern overview for Liu Ji Nu (PMID 37245709).; A 2022 study reported that ethanolic extract of Artemisia anomala exerted anti-inflammatory effects through NLRP3-inflammasome inhibition, a plausible laboratory correlate for its trauma and pain tradition (PMID 35597027)..
What are other names for Liu Ji Nu Herb?
Liu Ji Nu Herb is also known as Diverse Wormwood Herb, Artemisia anomala Herb. In TCM: 刘寄奴 (Liu Ji Nu); Herba Artemisiae Anomalae.
Is Liu Ji Nu Herb safe during pregnancy?
Liu Ji Nu Herb is not recommended during pregnancy. Because Liu Ji Nu moves Blood, it should not be self-used in active bleeding states or during pregnancy.
What are the contraindications for Liu Ji Nu Herb?
Liu Ji Nu Herb should not be used in: Pregnancy; Heavy bleeding without stasis; Marked Qi and Blood deficiency without obstructive pain. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.