Leonurus japonicus

Physical Characteristics

Leonurus japonicus is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Antibacterial Antifungal Aphrodisiac Birthing aid Contraceptive Depurative Diuretic Eczema Emmenagogue Hypotensive Ophthalmic Poultice Vasodilator Vulnerary Women's complaints This plant (and other closely related species) is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[218]. The leaves are diuretic and are placed in bath water to relieve itching and painful shingles[218]. The dried flowers are emmenagogue and are also used in pregnancy and to help expel the placenta after giving birth[218]. The juice of the stems is vulnerary[218]. The fruit is antibacterial, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, ophthalmic and vasodilator[176, 218]. It is used in the treatment of abnormal menstruation, nebula and conjunctivitis[176]. The seed is aphrodisiac, diuretic, emmenagogue, ophthalmic and is also used in the treatment of various women's complaints[147, 218]. The plant was ranked number one in a survey of 250 potential antifertility plants in China[218]. The seed is used in the treatment of conjunctivitis and night blindness[147]. The aerial parts of the plant are alterative, antibacterial, antifungal, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, vasodilator and vulnerary[176, 218]. The whole plant is decocted, either on its own or with other herbs, as an ophthalmic[218]. It is used in the treatment of abnormal menstruation, postpartum abdominal pain, tumours, uterine bleeding, oedema, eczema and purulent abscess[176]. It is also used externally as a poultice for bruises[218]. Stimulates blood circulation[147]. (The part of the plant used is not made clear.)

Known Hazards

None known