Coin Grass (Jinqiancao)

The Ancient Chinese Herb with Gallstone Dissolving Properties

In ancient Chinese folklore, a story tells the tale of a woman who discovered the incredible healing properties of a particular herb after her husband's untimely death from a gallstone. This herb, known as Jinqiancao, or Coin Grass, was found to have a profound effect on dissolving gallstones, as well as providing numerous other health benefits. This article explores the history, properties, and potential applications of this fascinating plant.

The Discovery of Coin Grass

The discovery of Coin Grass's unique properties began with a grieving widow who was determined to find the cause of her husband's sudden death. An autopsy revealed a stone in her husband's gallbladder, which the woman kept as a memento. Through a series of accidental experiments, the woman and an intrigued herbalist found that a specific plant, now known as Coin Grass, had the power to dissolve the stone.

Botanical Characteristics of Coin Grass

Coin Grass, scientifically referred to as Glechoma longituba (Nakai) Kupr, belongs to the Herba Glechoma family. This herb is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to reduce dampness in the body. The plant's exact composition remains undetermined, but its various properties have been widely recognized and utilized.

Traditional Uses and Health Benefits

Coin Grass has been traditionally used to clear heat, promote urination, suppress cough, heal swelling, and counteract toxic effects. It has been employed in the treatment of various ailments, such as jaundice, edema, gallstones, malaria, lung disease, cough, vomiting of blood, and rheumatism.

Modern studies have shown that Coin Grass offers numerous potential health benefits, including:

Benefiting the gallbladder and reducing jaundice: Coin Grass promotes the overall health of the gallbladder and aids in the reduction of jaundice by helping to remove accumulated bile.

Promoting liver bile production and bile excretion: Coin Grass assists in stimulating the liver to produce bile, which is essential for the proper digestion of fats, and encourages bile excretion to prevent gallstone formation.

Expelling hepatic calculus (hepatolith): The herb has been found to help dissolve and expel hepatic calculus or gallstones, thus offering relief from associated pain and discomfort.

Expelling urinary stones: Coin Grass has a diuretic effect, promoting urination and aiding in the expulsion of urinary stones.

Treating liver and gallbladder diseases: As an adjuvant herb, Coin Grass can be used alongside other treatments to address various liver and gallbladder diseases, improving overall liver function and health.

Promoting urination: Coin Grass's diuretic properties make it an effective remedy for edema and other conditions associated with fluid retention.

Coin Grass, or Jinqiancao, is a remarkable herb with a rich history and an array of potential health benefits. Its ability to dissolve gallstones and promote liver and gallbladder health makes it a valuable asset in the world of traditional Chinese medicine. Further research is needed to unlock its full potential, but the ancient wisdom surrounding this fascinating plant continues to inspire interest and exploration.