Lemna minor (Fuping)

Distribution:
Produced throughout China.
 
Properties (characteristics):
Acrid, cold
 
Channels (meridians) entered:
Bladder, lung.
 
Medical functions:
1. The diuretic effect is caused by its ingredients of potassium acetate and potassium chloride.
2. Effect on cardio-vascular system: water extract jelly of fu ping showed that it can enhance the cardiac function of frogs the were given quinine to weaken the cardiac function. Calcium can enhance the function of fu ping. Large amount can stop the hearts during diastolic period, and also it can constrict the blood vessels and can increase the blood pressure.

3. Anti-pyretic effect: there was a weak antipyretic effect on rabbits that were given vaccine of typhoid.

4. Other effects: it can kill Culex lavae and mosquito pupae. Result on experiments on anti bacteria and anti malaria were negative.

Actions & Indications:
Functions: as diaphoretics, analgesics, diuretics, poultice.
Being used in measles not ripening, itchiness in urticaria, edema and lack of urine.

Dark spots on the face: make fu ping into paste and apply to the face. 

Edema, lack of urine: smash and get juice and take orally.

For dispel of toxin: dry seed of fu ping and make into powder. Takeorally one gram per dose.

Growing hair and beard: decoct fu ping and make into jelly. Apply externally.

Chemical ingredients:
trans-1,3-phytadiene 
lycopersene 
sitosterol 
phytol 
4( R)-4-hydroxyisophytol 
(10R)-hydroxyhexadeca-7Z,10Z,13Z-trienoic acid 
11Z-hexadecenoic acid 11Z
7Z,10Z,13Z-hexadecatrienoic acid 
orientin 
luteolin-7-monoglycoside 
vitexin 
malonylcyanidin-3-monoglucoside 
β-carotene  
luteine 
epoxyluteine 
violaxanthin 
neoxanthin 
Etc....
 
Daily Dosage:
For taking orally in decoction:3 to 6 g. External use: appropriate amount in wash for rashes.
 
Cautions:
Not to use in case of external deficient with instant sweating.