Anemarrhena
Anemarrhena (Zhi Mu)
Botanical Name: Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge
Not as well known in the West, Anemarrhena is used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It is commonly used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) to treat conditions associated with Heat and Dryness. It is especially useful for treating lung infections and diabetes, also widely used to treat a wide range of ailments that present as Hot and Dry, including chronic bronchitis, high blood pressure, low back pain, menopausal symptoms, mouth ulcers, and more.
Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – Anemarrhena For Heat and Dryness…
Remember to check with your doctor before trying new medicines or herbal remedies, especially if you are taking other medication where drug interactions are possible.
Below is an overview of anemarrhena, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of anemarrhena.
How to take FULL advantage of Anemarrhena's healing powers...
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Western
Western Name: Anemarrhena
Also Known As: N/A
Organs/Systems: Respiratory System, Skin, Bladder
Key Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antimicrobial, Antidiabetic, Diuretic, Antiplatelet, Antipyretic, Antioxidant, Bitter
Medicinal Uses: Fevers, coughs, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, insomnia, respiratory infections, lowers cholesterol, aids memory.
Eastern
Pin Yin: Zhi Mu (translates as “Know Mother”)
Also Known As: N/A
Meridians: Lung, Spleen, Kidney
Key Actions: Nourishes Yin, Eliminates Fire, Generates Fluids, Lubricates the Intestines, Clears Summer Heat
Medicinal Uses: Contagious respiratory infections, congestive fever, high fever with extreme thirst, bitter taste in the mouth, excessive sweating, dry throat, sore throat, cough, dizziness, pneumonia, tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, high blood pressure, restlessness, urinary tract infections, insomnia, menopausal symptoms, steaming bone disorder, Five Sole heat, bleeding gums, red face, constipation, lumbago, diabetes, memory, osteoporosis, depression, eye disorders, cancer, chemotherapy and radiation side effects, excessive sex drive and nocturnal emissions high cholesterol and triglycerides, used externally to treat oral ulcers.
Basic Habitat/Botany:
Anemarrhena is an evergreen perennial in the family Liliaceae. It has thin, long, grass-like leaves and clusters of small, fragrant white to light-purple flowers that are hermaphroditic and blossom from August to September.
Anemarrhena is native to China, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan. Anemarrhena is found on exposed slopes, hills, steppes, and woodlands.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Root, Rhizome
Flavors/Temps: Bitter, Slightly Sweet, Cold
Caution: Considered safe; some people may experience allergic reactions. Using excess amounts can cause a drop in blood pressure.
Key Constituents: Over 300 TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) formulas use anemarrhena as an ingredient. It is used to treat high fevers, coughs, and highly contagious lung infections. It is one of the most commonly prescribed herbs in China and is used in a popular Korean formula for promoting sleep and treating diabetes. It has powerful antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
In TCM, it is known for Purging Fire, Nourishing Yin, and relaxing muscular and emotional tension. It is especially useful for Clearing Heat in the Qi Level with symptoms of high fever, flooding pulse, and Heat in the Stomach and Lungs causing intense thirst and dry coughs.
In vitro studies have found anemarrhena extract capable of inhibiting the growth of 38 strains of fungi and 5 strains of bacteria. Other studies confirm the compound timosaponin’s ability to inhibit blood coagulation and the formation of a thrombus in animal studies.
The compound mangiferin, found in anemarrhena, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support the herb’s ability to improve memory and brain function, inhibit osteoporosis, and more. The compound is known to pass the blood-retina barrier, helping to treat a variety of eye disorders. The compound asphonin is used effectively to treat lower back pain.
Anemarrhena is often combined with phellodendron, scrophularia, and rehmannia, herbs that support its Yin and Heat Clearing properties. It may be used with gypsum to help Clear Heat. To aid sleep hindered by Excess Heat and Yin Deficiency, anemarrhena is often paired with red jujube.
Anemarrhena helps Moisten the Lungs to ease coughing and dry coughing. The herb’s Yin-supporting functions also help to treat seminal emissions, night sweats, and bone pain associated with Yin Deficiency and Excess Heat in the system. Excess Heat can impair fluid metabolism in the body, leading to an excessive desire to drink cold fluids to quench thirst. This type of symptom is commonly associated with diabetes or persistent high feverish conditions.
Processing the herb by frying it in salt water helps to enhance its Kidney-tonifying properties. The dried rhizomes are commonly boiled for 20-30 minutes to extract its healing compounds. Occasionally, it is used as a cooking spice to add flavor, stimulate gastric juices, and aid digestion. Do not use iron cooking pots or utensils when preparing Anemarrhena, as iron chemically alters the herb.
Rhizomes
The rhizomes are large, hard, and round, with a pale yellow core.
Generates Fluids
Anemarrhena’s ability to generate fluids and moisten dry tissues can help to counterbalance herbs that may be too warming or drying, such as cinnamon.
Best Quality
The best quality roots have a yellow-white cross-section.
How to use Anemarrhena (Zhi Mu) and take FULL advantage of it's healing powers!
Find out how to safely use this powerful herb and get specific recipes you can make use of immediately. Dive deep into Eastern and Western perspectives about HOW and WHY this herb works. Includes uses, benefits, essential oils, gardening tips, and much, much more.
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