Da Qing Ye (Radix et Folium Isatidis) (Wrinkled and curled, greyish-green)

Da Qing Ye (Radix et Folium Isatidis)

Da Qing (Song Lan/Woad)

[Naming]

Da Qing Ye (Radix et Folium Isatidis)

 [Source]

別錄 (Bie Lu – Classified Records of Famous Physicians)

 [Common Usage Level]

D

 [Botanical Origin]

The dried stems and leaves of Isatis tinctoria L. and Isatis indigotica Fort. (family Brassicaceae), and Polygonum tinctorium Ait. (family Polygonaceae). The leaves or leafy branches of other plants such as Baphicacanthescusia Bremek. (family Acanthaceae), and Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum Turcz. (family Verbenaceae) can also be used.

 [Characteristics]

(1) Isatis tinctoria and Isatis indigotica leaves: The leaves are mostly curled into irregular shapes, brittle and easily broken, and dark bluish-green. Intact leaves, after being unfolded in water, are oblong or broadly lanceolate, 5-12 cm long and 1-5 cm wide, with entire or slightly wavy margins. The veins are more prominent on the back, the petiole is 5-7 cm long and slightly grooved. They have a fragrant odor and a slightly sour taste.
(2) Polygonum tinctorium: The leaves are mostly wrinkled into irregular shapes or already broken, bluish-green or bluish-black. Intact leaves are elliptical, 3-10 cm long and 2-5 cm wide, with prominent veins on the back and obvious lateral veins that are lighter in color. The petioles are flat and clasping at the base, brittle and easily broken. They have a weak odor and a bland taste.
(3) Baphicacanthescusia Bremek.: The leaves are elliptical or obovate-oblong, 5-10 cm long and 3-5 cm wide, with shallow, blunt serrations on the leaf margins, an acuminate apex, and a narrow base. The petioles are quadrangular and brownish-black. They have a faint odor and a bland taste.
(4) Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum: The leaves are elliptical or oblong-ovate, 6-20 cm long and 2-7 cm wide, with entire or slightly wavy margins, an acuminate apex, and a blunt, rounded base. The petioles are slender and cylindrical. They are brittle and easily broken. They have a faint odor and a slightly bitter and astringent taste.

 [Identification]

《本草經集注》 (Annotations to the Materia Medica): “Purple stems. Effective in removing seasonal heat toxins.”
High quality medicine should be dry, clean, free from mold and rot, and bluish-black in color.

 [Category]

Leaves