Carthamus

Latin name: Flos Carthami

Chinese Name: Hong-Hua

Traditional Uses

Actions: Invigorates blood circulation, disperses stagnant blood, regulates menstruation

Applications: Amenorrhea, mass in the abdomen, dystocia, external and internal trauma, pain due to stagnated blood

Pharmacology

(1) Uterine-stimulating effect: The decoction and its extract causes the uterus to contract rhythmically or tonically. It is particularly effective on pregnant uteri, with fast and long-lasting action.

(2) Hypotensive effect: Animal studies show that it lowers blood pressure for quite a long period of time.

(3) Effect on the coronary artery: The extract dilates the coronary artery.

Reference: Hung-yen Hsu, Ph.D. and Associates: Oriental Materia Medica A Concise Guide 1986, Keats Publishing