To treat persistent nosebleeds day and night, Y thư cổ Nam dược thần hiệu recommends using Eclipta alba, crushed and applied to the bridge of the nose and forehead.
Eclipta alba (commonly known as false daisy) is scientifically named Eclipta alba Hassk, belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is called false daisy because when crushed, it releases a liquid resembling black ink. It is also known as “nhọ nồi,” which can be confused with another medicinal herb of the same name derived from frying pans. Its Chinese name is “hạn liên thảo” (plant with a fruit calyx reminiscent of a lotus).
Eclipta alba has a cooling nature, sweet and sour taste, is non-toxic, and has the effects of cooling the blood, stopping bleeding, clearing liver heat, nourishing kidney yin, and promoting black hair growth. It is primarily used for: internal bleeding (such as gastric bleeding, bloody urine, hemoptysis due to tuberculosis, and menorrhagia), dysentery, chronic hepatitis, injuries with swelling and ulceration, and itching (administered internally and applied externally).
The book Thần nông bản thảo describes Eclipta alba as “a well-known hemostatic herb.” The Đường bản thảo states that those suffering from severe bleeding will find relief when applying Eclipta alba, and applying the juice to the scalp will promote rapid hair regrowth. Điền nam bản thảo suggests that false daisy strengthens teeth, darkens hair, and cures nine types of hemorrhoids. The Bản kinh (dating back 2000 years) states: “If bleeding does not stop, apply Eclipta alba, and it will cease immediately.”
It is contraindicated to use Eclipta alba when there is yin deficiency without heat or spleen and stomach deficiency with cold diarrhea. Today, this herb is widely used in treating mosquito-borne dengue fever, cancer, and many other diseases.
The Institute of Medicinal Materials has studied the hemostatic effects and toxicity of Eclipta alba and found it effective against the effects of dicumarol (an anticoagulant), stopping uterine bleeding, and increasing uterine tone. Eclipta alba does not cause vasodilation or lower blood pressure, but it can lead to miscarriage.
Some Herbal Remedies
Hemoptysis and Nosebleeds: Use fresh Eclipta alba leaves and stems, crush them to extract the juice for drinking.
Bloody Urine: Dry Eclipta alba by roasting on a clean tile, then grind into powder. Take 2 “chỉ” (8g) with rice water (family experience method).
Hematuria: Combine Eclipta alba and Plantago major in equal parts, crush to extract juice, and drink three bowls on an empty stomach daily (Traditional medicine). Alternatively, cook porridge with 100g of Eclipta alba and three slices of ginger.
Bloody Hemorrhoids: Use a handful of Eclipta alba with roots intact, crush finely, mix with a cup of hot wine, consuming the liquid while applying the residue externally (Bảo thọ đường phương).
Gastric and Duodenal Bleeding: Combine 50g Eclipta alba, 25g Radix Bletillae, 4 jujubes, and 15g licorice, decoct and drink, one dose daily divided into two servings.
Small Cuts and Bleeding: Chew a handful of clean Eclipta alba or crush it to apply to the wound.
Early Greying of Hair: Use a desired quantity of Eclipta alba, wash thoroughly, boil down to a concentrated extract, then mix with ginger juice and honey in moderation, re-boil once. Store in a jar, taking 1-2 tablespoons mixed with warm boiled water or a bit of rice wine to drink. Consume twice daily; this remedy nourishes the kidneys and replenishes blood essence.
Alternatively: Use 1-2 kg of Eclipta alba, extract the juice, and mix it with pre-prepared powder of Fructus Viticis as follows: soak 300-1000g of Fructus Viticis in wine for one day, peel, roast until dry, and grind into powder. Form into pills with honey. Take 10g each time, three times a day with warm rice wine. This remedy supports liver and kidney health and darkens hair while alleviating lower back and knee pain (Fructus Viticis should not be confused with Fructus Viticis).
Treating Nocturnal Emissions (due to heat in heart and kidneys): Dry Eclipta alba and grind into powder. Take 8g daily with rice water or decoct 30g of Eclipta alba for drinking.
Menorrhagia: If mild, use fresh Eclipta alba, crush to extract juice or decoct dry Eclipta alba for drinking. If bleeding is excessive, it is necessary to combine with other herbs like Trắc bá diệp or cây huyết dụ…
Oral Thrush in Children: Use 4g of fresh Eclipta alba and 2g of fresh chives, crush to extract juice, mix with honey, and apply to the tongue every 2 hours.
Eclipta Alba for Treating Dengue Fever
The Institute of Traditional Medicine along with Đống Đa District Hospital used Eclipta alba to combat dengue fever in 1969, with 230 hospitalized patients, resulting in a 99.6% recovery rate. Military Medical Institute 13 and Military Region 5 also utilized several herbal formulas containing Eclipta alba to treat this illness, achieving high effectiveness.
Besides its role in clearing liver heat and nourishing kidney yin, the hemostatic effects of Eclipta alba have been clinically studied in dengue fever cases and in laboratory settings, opening avenues for understanding its hemostatic mechanism. Therefore, the role of Eclipta alba in treating dengue fever must be preserved, as bleeding is one of the two leading fatal factors in this disease.
Additionally, according to Chinese literature, Eclipta alba has been used to treat various types of cancer (in combination with other herbs) such as stomach, uterine, bone, lymphatic, and throat cancers. For throat cancer, 50g of fresh Eclipta alba can be taken daily as juice or brewed as a decoction.
