Scarlet

Scarlet

(Yunnan Chinese herbal medicine)

[synonym] Yuehong.

[source] it is the flower of Pelargonium, a family of Sophorae

[plant morphology] Pelargonium

Perennial erect herbs, 50-90 cm high. The stem is fleshy, the base is woody, with many branches, and all of them have fine hairs and spiny hairs, which have fishy smell when kneaded. Leaves alternate, round kidney shaped, base heart-shaped, about 5-10 cm in diameter, margin undulate lobed, dark red horseshoe shaped ring above, stipules broadly triangular or broadly ovate. The inflorescence is an umbel with involucre, terminal; the flowers are numerous, medium large, and drooping before opening; the petals are bright red, pink and white, and the lower three are larger. When capsule is mature, 5 petals split and curl upward. The flowering period is between spring and summer.

It is cultivated all over China.

[collection] collected in summer and autumn, fresh.

It is astringent, bitter and cool.

[function indications] clearing away heat and inflammation. Treat otitis media with flower juice.