Liu Jinu

original: 劉寄奴, Liu Jinu; scientific name: Artemisia anomala. The plant is named after the childhood nickname of Emperor Wu of the Liu Song Dynasty (Liu Yu), who is said to have discovered its healing properties while hunting.

The Liu Jinu herb grows in Jiangnan A traditional region encompassing the lands south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Today, it is also found in Hezhong Prefecture, Mengzhou, and Hanzhong.

In spring, the sprouts and stems emerge, looking much like mugwort original: 艾蒿, Aihao; Artemisia argyi. The stems have four distinct ridges and grow to a height of about two or three feet. The leaves are green and resemble those of a willow.

In the fourth month of the lunar calendar, it produces tiny, fragmented flowers of a yellowish-white hue, similar in shape to the rock pine original: 瓦松, Wasong; Orostachys fimbriata. In the seventh month, it bears fruit that is fine and resembles millet. Several spikes grow alternately along a single stem. The roots are pale purple and resemble those of common wormwood.

The sprouts, flowers, and seeds are harvested together in the sixth and seventh months for medicinal use. Its flavor is bitter and its nature is warm. It is primarily used to break blood A traditional Chinese medical action referring to the dispersal of severe blood stasis or internal bruising and reduce abdominal swelling. It is also exceptionally effective for treating scalds and burns original: 湯火瘡, Tanghuochuang; literally "soup and fire sores".

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