Description

Perennial herb growing to 10 in (25 cm). Has erect downy stems, compound leaves, bell-shaped flowers, and feathery seedheads.

Habitat & Cultivation

Chinese anemone is native to eastern Asia, and is found in Mongolia, China, and Japan. The root is unearthed either before the plant comes into flower in spring, or in autumn.

Part Used

Root.

Constituents

Chinese anemone contains lactones (including protoanemonin and anemonin), pulsatoside, and anemonol.

History & Folklore

Chinese anemone root was first documented in Chinese medicine in the Divine Husbandman’s Classic (Shen’nong Bencaojing), a herbal written in the 1st century CE.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Chinese anemone is thought to clear toxicity and to lower fever. It is most commonly taken as a decoction to counter infection within the gastrointestinal tract. The root is also used to treat malarial fever and vaginal infections.

Research

Chinese studies have shown the root to be potentially valuable as a treatment for amoebic dysentery.

Related Species

See pasque flower (Anemone pulsatilla).

Caution

Take Chinese anemone only under professional supervision.