Xing An Sheng Ma

Cimicifuga dahurica

Physical Characteristics

Cimicifuga dahurica is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Mongolia, Siberia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked[177]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antibacterial Antiviral Depurative Diaphoretic Diuretic Febrifuge Sedative Tonic This plant is an anti-infective herb that lowers fevers and reduces pain[238]. The root is analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, sedative, tonic[46, 61, 147, 176, 218]. It is used internally in the treatment of coughs, colds, headaches, gum diseases and feverish infections such as measles[238]. The root is harvested in the autumn and used fresh or dried[238]. Use with caution[176], see the notes above on toxicity.

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it does belong to a family that contains a number of toxic species and at least one species in this genus is said to be mildly poisonous. Some caution is therefore advised.