Introduction of Jiang Huang,Pian Jiang Huang and E Shu:Turmeric or Rhizoma Curcumae Longae.

TCM Herbalism:Medicinals and Classifications. ✵The article gives records of the herb Turmeric, its English name, Latin name, property and flavor, its botanical source two plant species, ①.Curcuma longa L., and other usable plant species, ②.Curcuma aromatica Salisb., and its main varietas, ③.Curcuma wenyujin Y.H.Chen et C.Ling, ④.Curcuma kwangsiensis S.G.Lee et C.F.Liang., ⑤.Curcuma aerugionosa Roxb.etc., with a detailed introduction to the botanical features of these five plant species, the growth characteristics, and ecological environment of these five plant species, the features of the herb Turmeric, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guide.

Rhizoma Curcumae Longae(Turmeric).

dried herb powder and herb segments of Rhizoma Curcumae Longae Pin Yin Name: Jiānɡ Huánɡ.
 English Name: Turmeric.
 Latin Name: Rhizoma Curcumae Longae.
 Property and flavor: warm, pungent, bitter.

 Brief introduction: The herb Rhizoma Curcumae Longae is the steamed and dried rhizome of Curcuma longa L., used to activate blood, move Qi, unblock meridians and relieve pain in cases of rheumatalgia, dysmenorrhea, epigastric, abdominal and costal pains, and traumatic injuries. The herb is commonly known as Rhizoma Curcumae Longae, Turmeric, Jiānɡ Huánɡ.

 Botanical source: Herbal classic book defined the herb Rhizoma Curcumae Longae, or Turmeric as the dried rhizome of the Curcuma L genus, the Zingiberaceae family (ginger family), Zingiberales order plant species (1). Curcuma longa L. Other common herbal classics defined the herb Rhizoma Curcumae Longae, or Turmeric as the rhizome of the Zingiberaceae family plant species (1). Curcuma longa L., or (2). Curcuma aromatica Salisb. Officially the botanical source of the Rhizoma Curcumae Longae should be the dried rhizome of the species (1). Curcuma longa L. This commonly used species and the related species are introduced:

(1).Curcuma longa L.


 a colorful drawing of Curcuma longa L.,whole plant,rhizome,flower and leaves Botanical description: Curcuma longa L is a plant of the Zingiberaceae family (ginger family) and Curcuma genus, it is commonly known as Curcuma longa, or Jiang Huang. A perennial herb, the plant grows up to 1~1.5 meters tall. The rhizomes are well-developed and clustered, and the branch roots are elliptical or cylindrical, orange-yellow, and very fragrant; the roots are thick, and the ends are enlarged into root tuber. Leaves are basal, 5–7 leaves, in 2 columns; petioles are 20~45 cm long; leaf blade is oblong or narrowly elliptic, 20~50 cm long, 5~15 cm wide, the apex is acuminate, the base is cuneate, decurrent to the petiole, the upper surface is yellow-green, the under surface is pale green, glabrous.

 Scapes grow out from leaf sheath, peduncle is 12~20 cm long; spikes are terete, 12~18 cm long; ananthous bracts on the upper part are pink or light reddish purple, oblong oval, 4~6 cm long, 1~1.5 cm wide, floriferous bracts on the lower part are peak green (tender green) or green-white, oval (egg-shaped) to orbicular, 3~4 cm long; calyx tube is green-white, with 3 teeth; corolla tube is funnel form (funnel-shaped), about 1.5 cm long, primrose yellow (pale yellow), pilose grow densely at throat part, 3 lobes; 1 fertile stamens, filaments are short and flat, anther is oblong, base has calcar; ovary is inferior, outside is villous, style is thin and long, base has 2 bar-shaped glands, stigma is slightly enlarged, slightly labiate. Its flowering period is in August.

 plant and rhizome of Curcuma longa L. Ecological Environment: Curcuma longa L grows wild or cultivated in plains, meadows, or bushes in the mountains. This species is mainly distributed in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the Zhujiang River area, the Hanjiang River area, east big island, and other areas of China. It is extensively cultivated in China, Thailand, and throughout the tropics.

 Growth characteristics: The plant Curcuma longa prefers a warm and moist climate. It is appropriate to choose a field with deep soil layers, loose and fertile sandy loam with good drainage for cultivation.

 Characters of herbs: The herb Rhizoma Curcumae Longae is irregularly oval (egg-shaped), cylindrical, or fusiform (spindle-shaped), often curved, the surface is deep yellow and coarse, with wrinkled veins and conspicuous nodes, round branch marks, and marks of fibrous root. The texture of the herb is firm and solid, not easy to break, the fracture surface is pale brown to golden-yellow, corneous, and has a waxy luster. The endodermis has conspicuous endothelial ring patterns, and vascular bundles are scattered in dots. The herb has a fragrance, it tastes bitter and pungent. The herb of a better grade has a firm and solid texture, the fracture surface is golden yellow, with a strong aromatic fragrance.

 Pharmacological actions: ①.lowering blood lipid; ②.enhancing fibrinolytic enzyme activity; ③.inhibiting platelet aggregation; ④.increasing bile secretion; ⑤.exciting effect on the uterus, etc.

 Medicinal efficacy: It breaks blood stasis, regulates Qi, stimulates the menstrual flow, and relieves pain. It is indicated for stabbing pain in the chest and flank, distention fullness and pain in heart and abdomen, blood stasis and Qi stagnation, amenorrhea, blood stasis, dysmenorrhea, postpartum stagnation and abdominal pain, abdominal hypochondriac pain, abdominal mass, arm pain, rheumatic arm pain, rheumatic arthralgia and pain, carbuncle swelling, injury from falling, traumatic injury, swelling pain from fall and injury, etc.

 Administration of Rhizoma Curcumae Longae (Jiānɡ Huánɡ): 
 
Reference: Administration Guide of Rhizoma Curcumae Longae (Jiānɡ Huánɡ)
TCM Books: ①.Internally: 3~9 grams;Externally:proper amount; ②.Internally:water decoction, 1~3 qian (about 3~9 grams), or prepare to pill, powder. Externally:prepare to finely ground herb powder and mixed apply stick; ③.Internally:water decoction, 3~10 grams, or prepared to pill, powder. Externally:proper amount, prepare to finely ground herb powder and mixed apply stick.
 Contraindications,Precautions and Adverse Reactions:the herb Rhizoma Curcumae Longae should avoid using during pregnancy, or should forbidden using.

(2).Curcuma aromatica Salisb.


 flowering plant of Curcuma aromatica Salisb. with a pink flower Botanical description: Curcuma aromatica Salisb is a plant of the Zingiberaceae family (ginger family) and Curcuma genus, it is commonly known as Curcuma aromatica, or Yu Jin. A perennial rhizocarpous herb. The plant grows up to about 1 meter high; the rhizome is succulent, hypertrophic, elliptic, or oblong oval, yellow, and aromatic; the root tip is enlarged to fusiform (spindle-shaped). Leaves are basal, leaf blades are oblong, 30~60 cm long, 10~20 cm wide, the tip is fine caudate, the base is attenuated, the leaf surface is glabrous, the under surface of the leaf is pubescent; petioles are equal length as the leaf blade.

 many shrubs of Curcuma aromatica Salisb with green leaves grow in a field Scapes grow out from rhizome alone, grow out with leaves at the same time or before leaves, spikes are cylindrical, about 15 cm long, and about 8 cm in diameter, some flower bracts are pale green (pea green), oval (egg-shaped), 4~5 cm long. The ananthous bracts are narrow, oblong, white, and tinged of light red, often with small pointed tips on the apical end, piliferous; scales are covered with sparse pubescence, 0.8~1.5 cm long, 3-lobed apically; corolla tube is funnel form (funnel-shaped), 2.3~2.5 cm long, throat part is piliferous, lobes are oblong, 1.5 cm long, white with pink, rear one is bigger, apical end has small point, piliferous; lateral staminodes are primrose yellow (faint yellow), obovate-oblong, about 1.5 cm long; labellum is yellow, obovate, 2.5 cm long, apically slightly 2-lobed; ovary is villous. The flowering season is from April to June.

 Ecological Environment: Curcuma aromatica Salisb grows wild or cultivated in the forest or woods. This species is mainly distributed in China from the southeast to the southwestern areas; it is also distributed throughout Southeast Asia.

 Growth characteristics: Curcuma aromatica Salisb prefer a warm and humid climate, plenty of sunshine, abundant rainfall, fear of frost and cold, afraid of drought and water. It is appropriate to choose a field with deep soil layers, loose in the upper layer soil and tight in the lower layer soil, fertile sandy loam for cultivation, it is better cultivated on moist sunny slopes or fields, it is cultivated in multiple lines. Avoid continuous cropping, cultivation, and high stalk crop interplanting.

 a colorful drawing of Curcuma wenyujin Y.H.Chen et C.Ling.,whole plant,root,stem and flowers,leaves Definitions and Differences: Official herbal classics defined the herb Curcuma aromatica as the dried tuberous root of the species Curcuma wenyujin Y.H.Chen et C.Ling, or Curcuma longa L., or Curcuma kwangsiensis S.G.Lee et C.F.Liang., or Curcuma aerugionosa Roxb., etc.

  Another herb, Curcuma zedoaria, or Zedoary, or E Shu, is defined by common herbal classics as the dried rhizome of the species Curcuma wenyujin Y.H.Chen et C.Ling, or Curcuma kwangsiensis S.G.Lee et C.F.Liang., or Curcuma aerugionosa Roxb., etc.

 Thus, the herb Rhizoma Curcumae Longae is not the same as the herb Curcuma aromatica, and the herb Curcuma aromatica is also different from the herb Curcuma zedoaria.

 a colorful drawing of Curcuma wenyujin Y.H.Chen et C.Ling.,rhizome and root,stem and flower,stems and green leaves Main varietas: Curcuma aromatica Salisb., has 2 main varietas in China, and known as (2.1). Curcuma wenyujin Y.H.Chen et C.Ling, (2.2). Curcuma kwangsiensis S.G.Lee et C.F.Liang., (2.3). Curcuma aerugionosa Roxb. etc.

(2.1).Curcuma wenyujin Y.H.Chen et C.Ling.


 Botanical description: Curcuma wenyujin Y.H.Chen et C.Ling., is a varietas of Curcuma aromatica Salisb., it is commonly known as Wen Yu Jin, the root is long oval, oval (egg-shaped) or spindle-shaped, 4~8 cm long, 2.5~4.5 cm in diameter. The tip is long and the base is sharp or rounded. The surface is taupe brown (grayish brown) to dark brown, rough, the upper part is convex, the base has sunken root marks, and the bud marks and lateral root marks are not conspicuous. There are knife marks, heavily smashed, and the cross-section is yellowish-brown or yellow-gray, corneous, spotted, or has striped vascular bundles.

 Ecological Environment: Curcuma wenyujin Y.H.Chen et C.Ling., grows wild or is cultivated in a sunny or humid field or ditch sides. This species is mainly distributed and cultivated in the Ruian city of China.

(2.2).Curcuma kwangsiensis S.G.Lee et C.F.Liang.


 plant and rhizome of Curcuma kwangsiensis S.G.Lee et C.F.Liang. Botanical description: Curcuma kwangsiensis S.G.Lee et C.F.Liang is a varietas of Curcuma aromatica Salisb., it is commonly known as Guangxi E Shu, the rhizome is ovoid, 4~5 cm long, 2.5~3.5 cm in diameter, with more or less striated nodes, with brownish, membranous leaf sheaths on the nodes, fresh white or light yellow. Scallops are slender and rooted, and the ends often swell into nearly fusiform (spindle-shaped) roots; the root diameter is 1.4~1.8 cm and the inside is cream white (milky white). Leaves sprout in spring, leaves are basal, 2~5-foliolate, upright; leaf blade is elliptic-lanceolate, 14~39 cm long, 4.5~7~9.5 cm wide, apex is shortly acuminate to acuminate, tip is pointed to ventral surface, base is attenuated, decurrent, pubescent on both surfaces; ligule is about 1.5 mm high, margin is villous; petiole is 2~11 cm long, pubescent; leaf sheath is about 11~33 cm, pubescent.

 Spikes grow from the rhizomes and separated from the vegetative stems with leaves; pedicels are 7~14 cm long, inflorescences are 15 cm, 7 cm thick in diameter; bracts below inflorescence are broadly ovate, about 4 cm, the apex is flat, pale green, upper sepal is oblong, oblique, pale red; the calyx is white, about 1 cm, one side split to the middle, apex has 3 blunt teeth; Corolla tube is 2 cm long, tubaeform (trumpet-shaped), throat is densely villous, 3 corolla lobes, ovate, about 1 cm, posterior one is wide, about 9 mm wide, the apex is pointed, slightly pocket-shaped, bilateral slightly narrowed; lateral staminodes are oblong, nearly equal length as corolla lobes; the lip is suborbicular and yellowish, the apex is 3 shallowly fissured, the middle lobe is slightly longer, the apex is 2-lobed; filaments are broadly flattened, anthers are narrow round, about 4 mm, anther cell is closed, the base is spaced; style is filiform (threadlike), glabrous, stigma is capitate, ciliate; the ovary is villous. Its flowering period is from May to July.

 flowering plant of Curcuma kwangsiensis S.G.Lee et C.F.Liang.with three pink flowers grow in a field Ecological Environment: Curcuma kwangsiensis S.G.Lee et C.F.Liang grow in sunny, moist, thick soil ditches, forest edges, hillsides, grasslands, and shrubs at altitudes of 700 meters above sea level. This species is mainly distributed and is cultivated in the southwest, the upper reaches of the Zhujiang River, and other areas of China.

 Growth characteristics: Curcuma kwangsiensis S.G.Lee et C.F.Liang., prefers high temperature and high humidity environments, drought tolerance, the optimal temperature for its fertility is 23~30 °C (Celsius, or 73.4~86 degrees Fahrenheit), the leaves dry in winter at the low temperature, new leaves sprout in spring.

 Characters of herbs: The tuberous root is oblong conical or circular, 2~6.5 cm long, and 1~1.8 cm in diameter. The surface is dark brown or khaki, with a thin light longitudinal, and rough mesh texture. The texture of the herb is hard. The cross-section is cutin, taupe brown (grayish brown) to brown, more conspicuous endodermis. The herb has a light aroma, and tastes slightly pungent and bitter.

(2.3).Curcuma aerugionosa Roxb.


 plants of Curcuma aerugionosa Roxb grow in field. Botanical description: Curcuma aerugionosa Roxb is a varietas of Curcuma aromatica Salisb., it is commonly known as é Zhú, a perennial plant, the plant is smooth and glabrous throughout. Leaves are elliptic-oblong to oblong-lanceolate, 25~60 cm long, 10~15 cm wide, often purple in the middle; the petiole is longer than the leaves. The stems grow out from the rhizomes alone, leaves often grow out first; spikes are about 15 cm; sepals are numerous, green at the lower part, purple at the end; the calyx is white, the apical end is 3-lobed; corolla is yellow, 3 lobed, unequal; lateral stamens are small; yellow lobes, grow apically at the apex. A wolf-shaped triangle. Its flowering period is from March to May.

 a shrub of Curcuma aerugionosa Roxb with pink flowers grow in field The rhizome is conical, with a pointed upper end and a rounded bottom, 2~6 cm long, and 2~3 cm in diameter. The surface is light yellow, slightly crumpled, and there are obvious links. There are scale-like petiole residues on the cross-section and dot-like root marks. The texture is solid, the cross-section is yellowish green, round endothelia ring. The odor is slightly fragrant and tastes bitter and spicy. Dry rhizomes, oval (egg-shaped) or fusiform (spindle-shaped), are solid and heavy, extremely difficult to break, open-faceted brown-to-yellowish green, corneous, shiny, with a yellow-white ring and white veins. Slightly scented, applauding slightly bitter and pungent. It is better to use a herb in a uniform, solid, with a taupe brown cross-section.

 Ecological Environment: Curcuma aerugionosa Roxb., grows in the shade place of valleys, streams, forests, etc. This species is mainly distributed and is cultivated in southwest areas of China.

 Characters of herbs: Tuberous roots are oblong, stout, 1.5~3.5 cm long, 1~1.2 cm in diameter, gray, wrinkled. The texture of the herb is hard, slightly grayish brown, the endothelium is conspicuous. The herb has a slight smell and a mild taste.
 
Rhizoma Wenyujin concisa(Wenyujin Concise Rhizome).

yellowish herb slices of Rhizoma Wenyujin concisa Pin Yin Name: Piàn Jiāng Huáng.
 English Name: Wenyujin Concise Rhizome.
 Latin Name: Rhizoma Wenyujin concisa.
 Property and flavor: warm, pungent, bitter.

 Brief introduction: The herb Rhizoma Wenyujin concisa is the dried rhizome of Curcuma wenyujin Y.H.Chen et C.Ling, used to resolve blood stasis and relieve pain in cases of dysmenorrhea, rheumatalgia, shoulder pain, and traumatic injuries. It is commonly known as Rhizoma Wenyujin concisa, Wenyujin Concise Rhizome, Piàn Jiāng Huáng.

 Botanical source: Official herbal classics defined the herb Rhizoma Wenyujin concisa (Wenyujin Concise Rhizome) as the dried rhizome of the species (1).Curcuma wenyujin Y.H.Chen et C.Ling. It is a plant of the Curcuma L genus, the Zingiberaceae family (ginger family) of the Zingiberales order. This commonly used species was introduced in the entry "Radix Curcumae (Turmeric Root Tuber)".

 Characters of herbs: The herb is oblong or irregular slices in shape, in different sizes, 3~6 cm long, 1~3 cm wide, and 0.1~0.4 cm thick. The cortex is grayish-yellow, coarse, and shriveled, and sometimes there are visible nodes and fibrous root marks. The cross-section is yellow-white to brown-yellow, with a circle of veins and many small tendons. The texture of the herb is firm and crisp. The fracture surface is off-white (gray-white) to brown-yellow, slightly powdery. The herb has a special fragrance, it tastes slightly bitter, pungent, and cool.

 Medicinal efficacy: Breaks blood stasis, activates the circulation of Qi, stimulates the menstrual flow, and relieve pain. It is indicated for amenorrhea due to stagnation of blood, abdominal pain during menstruation, piercing pain in chest and hypochondrium, rheumatic arthralgia pain, aching pain of shoulder and arm, injury from falling down, etc.

 Administration of Rhizoma Wenyujin concisa (Piàn Jiāng Huáng): 
 
Reference: Administration Guide of Rhizoma Wenyujin concisa (Piàn Jiāng Huáng)
TCM Books: ①.Internally:3~9 grams.
 Contraindications, Precautions and Adverse Reactions: the herb Rhizoma Wenyujin concisa should be used cautiously during pregnancy.

 
Rhizoma Curcumae(Zedoary Rhizome).

 herb slices of Zedoary Rhizome Pin Yin Name: é Shù.
 English Name: Zedoary Rhizome.
 Latin Name: Rhizoma Curcumae.
 Property and flavor: warm, pungent, bitter.

 Brief introduction: The herb Rhizoma Curcumae is the steamed and dried rhizome of Curcuma zedoaria Rosc., Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton, or Curcuma kwangsiensis S.G.Lee et C.F.Liang or curcuma wenyujin Y.H.Chen et C.Ling, used it to relieve pain caused by retention of food and activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis for the treatment of abdominal mass and amenorrhea, also used as an anticancer agent, especially for cervical cancer of the uterus. The herb is commonly known as Rhizoma Curcumae, Zedoary Rhizome, é Shù.

 Botanical source: Official herbal classics defined the herb Rhizoma Curcumae (Zedoary Rhizome) as the dried rhizome of the species (1).Curcuma phaeocaulis Val., or (2).Curcuma Kwangsiensis S. G.Lee et C. F. Liang., or (3).Curcuma wenyujin Y.H. Chen et C. Ling. Other famous herbal classics defined the herb Rhizoma Curcumae (Zedoary Rhizome) as the rhizome of the species (4).Curcuma aerugionosa Roxb. They are plants of the Curcuma L genus, the Zingiberaceae family (ginger family) of the Zingiberales order. These commonly used species were introduced in the entry "Radix Curcumae (Turmeric Root Tuber)" and the entry "Rhizoma Curcumae Longae (Turmeric)".

 Characters of herbs: The rhizome is orbicular (quasi-circular), oval, oblong, with many blunt tips at the top, and the base is round, 2~5 cm long, and 1.5~2.5 cm in diameter. The surface is khaki to sallow (grayish yellow), the nodes on the upper part are conspicuous, and there is a row of sunken bud marks and round lateral root marks on both sides. The herb is heavy, the texture of the herb is firm and solid, and the fracture surface is dark green-yellow to brown, often attached by brown powder. The cortex is easily separated from the stele. The herb has a slight fragrance, it tastes slightly bitter and pungent.

 Pharmacological actions: ①.anti-tumor effect; ②.anti-early pregnancy effect; ③.antibacterial effect; ④.leukogenic effect; ⑤.cardiovascular effect; ⑥.diastolic or contractile effect on intestinal smooth muscle; ⑦.hepatoprotective effect; ⑧.effect on acute renal failure; ⑨.inhibitory platelet aggregation and antithrombosis; ⑩.anti-inflammatory effect, etc.

 Medicinal efficacy: Activate circulation of Qi and break blood stagnation, removing Qi stagnation and analgesic. It is indicated for abdominal mass and a lump in the abdomen, haemostasis (stasis of blood) and dysmenorrhea, chest stuffiness and pains, chest pain, food stagnation (dietary stagnation), dyspepsia and distention pain, abdominal distention and pain, distension and pain of heart and abdomen, the heartache of Qi and blood, blood stasis and abdominal pain, hepatolienomegaly (swelling enlarge of liver and spleen), amenorrhea with blood stasis, dysmenorrhea (abdominal pain after menstruation), pain from injury of falls, etc.

 Administration of Rhizoma Curcumae (é Shù): 
 
Reference: Administration Guide of Rhizoma Curcumae (é Shù)
TCM Books: ①.Internally: 6~9 grams; ②.Internally:water decoction, 1.5~3 qian (about 4.5~9 grams), or prepare to pill, powder;③.Internally:water decoction, 3~10 grams, or prepared to pill, powder. Externally:proper amount, wash with water decoction, or prepare to finely ground herb powder and apply stick. Better use raw herb for activating Qi and relieve pain, better use prepared vinegar fried herb for breaking blood stasis and dispel stagnation.
 Contraindications, Precautions and Adverse Reactions:the herb Rhizoma Curcumae should avoid using during pregnancy, or should forbidden using in conditions hypermenorrhea or during pregnancy, should avoid using in conditions advanced menstruation, syndromes of blood heat. The herb should not be used for long period.

 

 
  

 

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References:
  • 1.Introduction of Jiang Huang,Pian Jiang Huang and E Shu:Turmeric or Rhizoma Curcumae Longae.

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