Bidens, Gui Zhen Cao 鬼针草 Beggarticks, Spanish Needles, Cuckolds, Black JackGui Zhen Cao (TCM) Bidens bipinnataRuiz, H., Pavón, J., Drawings of the Royal BotanicalExpedition to the Viceroyalty of Peru (1777-1816) Bidens bipinnata(Photo by Cbaile19) (Wikimedia) Botanical name: Bidens bipinnata, B. parviflora, B. pilosaTCM also uses B. pilosa var. minor (Xian Fen Cao) similarly.In the U.S., B. bipinnata is used; B. connata and B. frondosa are regarded as having similar properties. Parts used: Whole herb (TCM)In the U.S., Root and Seeds have been used in addition to the herb. Temperature & Taste: Cold, dry Classifications: B. Clear Heat Uses: 1. Clears Heat and Toxin: (TCM)-Soreness and swelling of the Throat-Diarrhea, Dysentery-Toxic Sores, Abscesses, Mastalgia-Leprosy (internally & topically, in China & India)-Hepatitis-Urinary Tract Infections, Nephritis-Acute Appendicitis (used by Mulam minority of China)-Snake and Insect Bites2. Clears Wind and Damp, Eases Pain: (TCM)-Muscles and Joint pain from Wind-Damp-Lumbago, Migraine3. Moves the Blood, Resolves Swelling:-Trauma, Bruising (Herb, TCM)-Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea (Seed, USA)-‘Painful and deficient Menstruation’ (Seed, Cook)-Palpitation (Seed, Cook)-Angina (used by Mulam minority of China)-demonstrated effectiveness against various Tumor cell lines4. Clears Heat, Resolves Phlegm, Stops Cough:-root decoction ‘proved beneficial in Severe Cough’ (King’s)-Seed has been said to have expectorant qualities (Cook)-Croup (leaf infusion taken…

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