Herb: Mi Meng Hua


Latin name: Buddleia officinalis


Family: Buddleiaceae



Medicinal use of Mi Meng Hua:

Febrifuge. The flowers and flower buds are antispasmodic, slightly cholagogue and ophthalmic. They have an action similar to vitamin P, reducing the permeability and fragility of the blood vessels of the skin and small intestine. They are used in the treatment of various eye problems. They are also used in the treatment of gonorrhoea, hepatitis and hernia. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of collyrium. Also used in the treatment of gonorrhoea, hepatitis and hernia.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
2 m
(6 1/2 foot)

Flowering:
December
to February

Scent:
Scented
Shrub

Habitat of the herb:

River valleys of Szechwan in dry rocky areas to 1000 metres. Cliffs, scrub and waste places at elevations up to 1,000 metres.

Propagation of Mi Meng Hua:

Seed - cold stratify for 4 weeks at 4°C and surface sow the seed in February/March in a greenhouse (the pre-chilling might not be required for this species). Germination usually takes place within 3 - 4 weeks at 21°C. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Seedlings are inclined to damp off and so should be watered with care and kept well-ventilated. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Use short side-shoots. Very high percentage. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 15 - 20cm long, October/November in a frame.

Cultivation of the herb:

River valleys of Szechwan in dry rocky areas to 1000 metres. Cliffs, scrub and waste places at elevations up to 1,000 metres.

Known hazards of Buddleia officinalis:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.