Cypress Leaf (Twigs flat and multi-branched, rough stem reddish-brown, leaves small and scale-like, yellow-green, brittle and easily broken with a clear fragrance)

Cypress Leaf (Leaves triangular, withered yellow, tightly attached to small branches)

Cypress Leaf Charcoal

【Naming】

Cypress Leaf

 【Source】

Superior Grade of Materia Medica Classic‧Cypress

 【Common Use Level】

D

 【Botanical Origin】

The dried tender twigs and leaves of the cypress Biota orientalis (L.) Endlicher, belonging to the Cupressaceae family.

 【Characteristics】

The stems are sub-rounded, mostly small branches, mostly flat, about 1-2 cm long, about 1-2 mm in diameter. The outer surface of the thicker stems is reddish-brown. The leaves are triangular, withered yellow, densely grown and tightly attached to the small branches. The scale-like leaves are small and grow in pairs; the color is dark green or yellow-green, the odor is clear and fragrant, and the taste is bitter, astringent, and slightly pungent.

 【Preparation】

1. Raw Cypress Leaf 2. Cypress Leaf Charcoal

 【Identification】

“Do not take pine and cypress leaves from graves. It should be harvested in the first month of spring, and autumn is best.” 《Medical Collection》: “Pine flowers, pine needles, and cypress leaves should all be newly grown and tender, with a length of two or three inches.” The best are those with dry branches and leaves, more leaves and fewer branches, and complete.

 【Category】

Leaf Category