Use of Ma Bian Cao (verbena leaves) in TCM

Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.

Preparation: Remove impurities, wash, soak in water, cut and dry.

Dosage: 4-30 grams

Main actions according to TCM*: Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moves Blood and unblocks Stasis. Encourages urination and lessens edema.

Primary conditions or symptoms for which Ma Bian Cao may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Edema Jaundice Fever Dysentery Diphtheria Strangury Amenorrhea Carbuncles

Contraindications*: Not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Key TCM concepts behind Ma Bian Cao's properties

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ma Bian Cao belongs to the 'Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity' category. Herbs in this category are used to clear inflammatory and infectious conditions, referred to as 'Internal Heat' in TCM. This is why most of the herbs in this category will have both antibacterial and antiviral properties. In TCM one has too much 'Internal Heat' in their body as a result of a deficiency of 'Yin' (which is Cold in nature, see our explanation on Yin and Yang) or, more commonly, an Excess of Yang (Hot in nature). Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity treat the latter while, at the same time, removing infectious toxins from the body. As such they tend to be Cold or Neutral in nature.

As suggested by its category Ma Bian Cao is Cool in nature. This means that Ma Bian Cao tends to help people who have too much 'Heat' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Cold in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition Ma Bian Cao can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

Ma Bian Cao also tastes Bitter. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like Ma Bian Cao tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements.

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Ma Bian Cao is thought to target the Spleen and the Liver. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.

Research on Ma Bian Cao

The herbal formula BNO-101 (containing Verbena), combined with standard antibacterial therapy, significantly reduces the acute symptoms and signs of sinusitis.¹

Sources:

1. Melzer J, Saller R, Schapowal A, Brignoli R. (2006). Systematic review of clinical data with BNO-101 (Sinupret) in the treatment of sinusitis. Forsch Komplementmed. , 13(2):78-87. Epub 2006 Apr 19.

Use of Ma Bian Cao as food

Ma Bian Cao is also eaten as food. It is used as an ingredient in dishes such as Huckleberry lemon verbena tea cake or Basil lemon verbena pesto.