Huang Shu Kui Hua refers to the corolla of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik, a species of the Malvaceae family. It is primarily produced in Guangxi, Guangdong, Yunnan, Guizhou, Hunan, Sichuan, Hebei, Shandong, Hubei, and Fujian.The corolla has a sweet taste and a cold nature; it is effective in clearing heat, draining dampness, reducing swelling, and detoxifying. When taken internally, it is used to treat damp-heat stagnation, dysuria with turbid urine, and edema; when applied externally, it can treat boils, abscesses, swellings caused by toxins, and burns from fire or water.
Yellow Hibiscus Flower
Huang Shu Kui Hua refers to the corolla of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik, a species of the Malvaceae family. It is primarily produced in Guangxi, Guangdong, Yunnan, Guizhou, Hunan, Sichuan, Hebei, Shandong, Hubei, and Fujian.The corolla has a sweet taste and a cold nature; it is effective in clearing heat, draining dampness, reducing swelling, and detoxifying. When taken internally, it is used to treat damp-heat stagnation, dysuria with turbid urine, and edema; when applied externally, it can treat boils, abscesses, swellings caused by toxins, and burns from fire or water.
Chinese Name : 黄蜀葵花
Aliases : Okra, Wild Cotton, False Hibiscus
Authentic Producing Area : Mainly produced in Guangxi, Guangdong, Yunnan, Guizhou, Hunan, Sichuan, Hebei, Shandong, Hubei, and Fujian
Nature, Flavor & Meridian Tropism : Sweet in taste, cold in nature; enters the Kidney and Bladder meridians
Benefits & Efficacy
Benefits
It has the effects of clearing and draining damp-heat, reducing swelling, and detoxifying.
Indications
When taken internally, it is used to treat damp-heat stagnation, dysuria with turbid urine, and edema; when applied externally, it can treat abscesses, boils, swellings, and toxic sores, as well as burns and scalds.
Usage and Dosage
Decoct 10–30 g; take 3–5 g as a powder. For external use, apply an appropriate amount of the powder mixed with a carrier.
Precautions
Avoid taking it with raw, cold, or cooling foods (such as iced drinks or watermelon), to prevent aggravating spleen and stomach deficiency-cold and affecting the medicinal efficacy.
Chemical Constituents
This product primarily contains corilagin-3-acacia glycoside, quercetin-3-glucoside, hyperoside, myricetin, and quercetin.
Pharmacological Actions
Modern research indicates that the flowers of the yellow hollyhock possess antiviral, antidepressant, renal tubular protective, cardioprotective and neuroprotective against ischemia, as well as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic effects.
Relevant Discussions
1. *Compendium of Materia Medica*: “Reduces abscesses and swellings; soak in oil and apply to burns from hot liquids or fire.”
2. *Jiaoyu Materia Medica*: “Treats dysuria and induces labor; also effective for various malignant sores with persistent pus and exudate that have not healed for a long time—apply as a powder.”
Applications
Clinical Applications
1. *Formulas for Universal Relief*: One liang of yellow hollyhock flowers, roasted and ground into powder; take one qian with rice water. This formula is called “Dusheng San” and treats painful urinary tract infections caused by sand and stones.
2. *The Treasure of Childbirth*: “Ru Sheng San”: Treats difficult labor due to dryness and constriction of the birth canal; in severe cases, administer three doses. After some time, the abdominal tension will ease, and the fetus will be delivered smoothly. Use baked and ground yellow mallow flowers, mixed with two qian in hot water, and take orally. If flowers are unavailable, use half a he of ground seeds, rinse with wine to remove the dregs, and take orally. Used to induce labor in cases of difficult childbirth.
3. *Direct Pointers to Formulas*: Mix yellow hibiscus flowers with salt, store in a porcelain container, seal tightly, and they will remain intact for a year. Apply as a poultice; the affected area will naturally flatten and ulcerate. If flowers are unavailable, the roots and leaves may be used instead. This is used to treat boils, abscesses, and toxic swellings.
4. *Formulas for Emergency Care*: Burn yellow mallow flowers to a fine powder and apply as a poultice. This treats mouth sores in children.
5. *Formulas from Clinical Experience*: Fill a bottle with sesame oil. Using chopsticks, pick yellow mallow flowers directly from the plant and place them in the bottle—avoid touching them with bare hands—then seal the bottle tightly. When treating burns from hot liquids or fire, apply the oil to the affected area; it is highly effective. Used for burns from hot liquids or fire.
Notes
Patients requiring treatment with Chinese herbal medicine should first consult a licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) hospital, where a TCM practitioner will conduct a professional pattern differentiation and prescribe an herbal formula.
Processing & Preparation
Harvesting & Processing
Harvest in summer and fall, then sun-dry.
Processing Methods
Remove impurities and dust.
Storage Methods
Hibiscus flowers should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area, kept in an airtight container to prevent moisture, mold, and insect infestation; storage in a cool, shaded place is preferable.
Crude Drug Identification
Properties of Crude Drugs
This product is often shriveled and broken; intact petals are triangular-broad obovate in shape, 7–10 cm long and 7–12 cm wide, with longitudinal veins radiating across the surface; they are light brown with slightly wavy margins; the inner surface at the base is purplish-brown.There are numerous stamens, fused into a tubular structure 1.5–2.5 cm long, with nearly sessile anthers. The stigma is purplish-black, spoon-shaped and disc-like, and 5-lobed. It has a faintly fragrant odor and a sweet, mild taste.
Properties of Processed Slices
See “Characteristics of Medicinal Materials.”
Botanical Information
Botanical Classification
Hibiscus sinensis, a plant of the Malvaceae family.
Morphological Characteristics
An annual or perennial herb, 1–2 m tall, sparsely covered with long, stiff hairs. Leaves are ovate to nearly round, palmately 5–9-lobed, coarsely serrate, and sparsely covered with long, stiff hairs on both surfaces.Flowers are solitary, borne at the tips of branches or in leaf axils; the calyx is spathe-like and nearly entire, falling off at fruiting; the flowers are large, pale yellow, with a purple base on the inner surface. The capsule is oblong and covered with stiff hairs. Seeds are numerous, reniform, and marked with stripes of soft hairs. Flowering period: August–October.
Distribution Area
It is found in all provinces except the Northeast and Northwest.
Propagation Methods
Propagated by seed.
Cultivation Techniques
Yellow hollyhock is an annual or perennial herb. It prefers a warm climate and is highly adaptable, but is not cold-tolerant. It is not particular about soil type and can be cultivated on flat land, hills, or mountains; well-drained, loose, and fertile sandy loam is preferred. Yellow hollyhock is propagated by seed. Seeds are harvested from September to November; continuous cropping should be avoided.