All-Grass of Stringy Stonecrop (Chui Pen Cao)

All-Grass of Stringy Stonecrop (Chui Pen Cao, 垂盆草) refers to the whole plant of Sedum sarmentosum, a species of stonecrop widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is known for its cooling and detoxifying properties.

Botanical Information:

• Scientific Name: Sedum sarmentosum
• Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrop family)
• Common Names: Stringy Stonecrop, Creeping Sedum, Chui Pen Cao (垂盆草)

Traditional Uses in Chinese Medicine (TCM):

Chui Pen Cao is valued for its heat-clearing, detoxifying, and diuretic effects. It is often used in herbal medicine for:

• Liver health: Treats hepatitis, jaundice, and liver inflammation.
• Urinary system: Helps with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and promotes urination.
• Skin conditions: Used topically for burns, sores, eczema, and snake bites.
• Fever and inflammation: Reduces heat-related illnesses and infections.

Pharmacological Benefits:

Modern research suggests that Sedum sarmentosum may have:

• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Hepatoprotective effects (supports liver function)
• Antioxidant activity
• Antibacterial effects

How It’s Used:

• Tea or decoction: Boil dried or fresh Chui Pen Cao with water and drink.
• External application: Crushed fresh leaves applied to wounds or burns.
• Herbal combinations: Often used with other TCM herbs for liver and detox treatments.

Preparation, Dosage, and Health Benefits of Chui Pen Cao (垂盆草, Sedum sarmentosum)

1. Preparation & Usage

A. Internal Use (Decoction, Tea, or Infusion)

Chui Pen Cao is commonly consumed as a herbal tea or decoction for its medicinal effects:

• Basic Herbal Tea:

  • Take 10–30g of dried Sedum sarmentosum (or 30–60g fresh herb).
  • Boil with 500ml–1L of water for 15–30 minutes.
  • Strain and drink warm, 1–2 times daily.

• Stronger Decoction for Liver Health or Detox:

  • Use 30–60g dried herb (or 60–120g fresh herb).
  • Combine with water and simmer for 30–40 minutes.
  • Drink in divided doses throughout the day.

• Herbal Combinations:

  • For hepatitis & jaundice: Combine with Yin Chen Hao (Artemisia capillaris).
  • For UTIs & inflammation: Combine with Bai Mao Gen (Imperata cylindrica).

B. External Use (Topical Application)

Chui Pen Cao is also applied directly to the skin for burns, wounds, or inflammation:

• Fresh Leaves Paste:

  • Crush fresh leaves and apply to affected areas (wounds, burns, insect bites).
  • Leave on for 30 minutes to an hour, then rinse off.
  • Repeat 2–3 times daily.

• Herbal Wash:

  • Boil 100g fresh herb in 1 liter of water for 15–20 minutes.
  • Let it cool and use it to wash affected skin areas.

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2. Health Benefits & Applications

A. Liver Support & Detoxification

• Helps reduce liver inflammation and protect liver cells.
• Commonly used for hepatitis, jaundice, and fatty liver.
• Mechanism: Contains flavonoids and antioxidants that support liver function.

B. Urinary Tract & Kidney Health

• Acts as a mild diuretic to help flush out toxins.
• Used for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and painful urination.

C. Skin Healing & Wound Care

• Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties aid in treating wounds, burns, and skin infections.
• Fresh leaf paste reduces redness, swelling, and irritation.

D. Fever & Heat-Related Illnesses

• Traditional use for cooling the body and reducing fever.
• Helps treat heatstroke or summer heat exhaustion.

E. Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

• Modern studies suggest it reduces oxidative stress and fights inflammation.
• May help in reducing swelling, arthritis pain, and chronic inflammation.

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3. Precautions & Contraindications

• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Not enough research; consult a doctor before use.
• Low Blood Pressure: As it has mild diuretic properties, it may further lower blood pressure.
• Allergic Reactions: Rare, but some may experience skin irritation or digestive discomfort.
• Drug Interactions: May enhance diuretics or liver medications—check with a healthcare provider if taking medication.

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4. Where to Source Chui Pen Cao (Sedum sarmentosum)

A. Buying from Herbal Stores & Online Shops

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Shops: You can find dried Chui Pen Cao in herbal pharmacies.
• Online Herbal Suppliers: Look for reputable sources specializing in TCM herbs.
• Asian Markets: Some fresh produce sections carry it under names like Creeping Sedum or 垂盆草.

B. Growing Your Own (Best for Fresh Use!)

• Easy to Grow: This plant is a succulent and thrives in pots, gardens, or hanging baskets.
• Light & Soil: Prefers partial sunlight and well-draining soil.
• Propagation: Easily spreads from cuttings—just plant a small piece in moist soil.

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5. How to Incorporate Chui Pen Cao Into Daily Life

A. As a Daily Detox Tea

• Drink Chui Pen Cao tea 3–4 times a week to support liver and kidney health.
• Add honey or lemon for extra benefits and flavor.

B. In Cooking (Mild Herbal Addition)

• Soup: Add fresh leaves to light soups for a mild detox boost.
• Salads: Young leaves can be eaten raw or lightly blanched in salads.

C. For Skin & Wound Healing

• Keep a small amount of fresh crushed leaves handy for cuts, burns, or skin irritation.
• Use herbal wash as a natural toner for acne-prone skin.

D. Stress & Cooling Relief in Hot Weather

• Drink Chui Pen Cao tea cold in the summer to cool the body.
• Combine with mint or chrysanthemum flowers for extra refreshment.