Gomphrena globosa
Energetic Properties and Taste: Sweet, slightly salty, neutral.
Meridian Tropism: Enters the Lung and Liver channels.
Medicinal Part: The flower heads or the entire plant of Gomphrena globosa L., a member of the Amaranthaceae family.
Gomphrena globosa: Usage and Dosage
Internal Use: For decoctions, use 3-9g of the flower heads; or 15-30g of the whole plant.
External Application: Apply an appropriate amount as a pounded poultice; or use a decoction for washing affected areas.
Preparation: Harvest the flower heads or the entire plant in summer and autumn. Use fresh or sun-dried.
Gomphrena globosa: Actions and Main Indications
Actions: Relieves cough and soothes asthma, clears Liver Heat to improve vision, and detoxifies the body.
Main Indications: Primarily used for persistent coughs, asthma, whooping cough (pertussis), infant night crying (often associated with internal heat in TCM), red and swollen painful eyes, dizziness and headaches due to Liver Heat, dysentery, and various skin sores or boils.
Gomphrena globosa: Traditional Combinations and Formulas
Here are some traditional formulas involving Gomphrena globosa, as recorded in various Chinese herbal texts:
1. For Headaches (TCM Wind-Pain type): Combine 3 qian (approximately 9g) of Gomphrena globosa flowers with 7 qian (approximately 21g) of Verbena herb. Prepare as a water decoction for oral consumption. (From Jiangxi Herbal Manual)
2. For Asthma: Prepare a decoction of 10 Gomphrena globosa flower heads. Add a small amount of traditional Chinese rice wine (Huangjiu) and take orally. Repeat three times. (From Chinese Medical Flora)
3. For White Dysentery: Prepare a decoction of 10 Gomphrena globosa flower heads. Stir in a small amount of traditional Chinese rice wine (Huangjiu) and take orally. (From Jiangxi Herbal Manual)
4. For Difficulty with Urination: Prepare a decoction of 1-3 qian (approximately 3-9g) of Gomphrena globosa flower heads. Take orally. (From Shanghai Common Chinese Herbal Medicines)
5. For Childhood Convulsions (TCM Wind-Phlegm type): Stew 10 Gomphrena globosa flowers with 7 dried grasshoppers in an appropriate amount of boiling water. Take orally. (From Fujian Folk Herbal Medicine)
6. For Pediatric Liver Heat: Prepare a decoction of 7-14 fresh Gomphrena globosa flower heads. Take orally. Alternatively, it can be stewed with winter melon candy for a milder taste. (From Fujian Chinese Herbal Medicines)
7. For Infant Night Crying: Prepare a decoction using 5 fresh Gomphrena globosa flower heads, 3 cicada sloughs (Chan Yi), and 0.7 qian (approximately 2.1g) of Chrysanthemum flowers (Ju Hua). Take orally. (From Fujian Chinese Herbal Medicines)
3-Second Self-Test & 30-Second Self-Rescue with Gomphrena Globosa
If... you're experiencing a persistent cough, especially one that feels dry or irritating, or if you're dealing with red, itchy eyes from a long day in front of a screen (a sign of Liver Heat in TCM)...
Then/Immediately... consider preparing a simple herbal tea with 3-5g of dried Gomphrena globosa flower heads. Steep them in hot water for 10-15 minutes. This gentle remedy may offer soothing relief for your respiratory passages and help calm eye irritation. Always observe how your body responds and do not exceed suggested dosages without professional advice.
References
The traditional uses of Gomphrena globosa are supported by modern research into its diverse phytochemical properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. PMID: 29775084
Studies have explored the antiasthmatic potential of *Gomphrena globosa* extracts, aligning with its traditional use in managing respiratory conditions like asthma. PMID: 36720180
Further research highlights its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which contribute to its traditional applications for detoxification and clearing heat. PMID: 35626920
For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.
