This product is derived from the branches, leaves, or the entire plant of the Rhododendron genus (Rhododendron simsii Planch.) in the Ericaceae family. It commonly grows on sunny slopes. It is a deciduous shrub with ovate or lanceolate leaves, short-pointed at the tip, wedge-shaped at the base, and covered with coarse hairs on both sides. It blooms with Carthamus or pink flowers in winter and spring. Young branches and leaves are used.

According to reports from various regions across the country, Rhododendron species are widely distributed nationwide, and many varieties have shown significant efficacy in treating acute and chronic bronchitis. Examples include the Dahurian rhododendron leaf (R. dauricm L.) from Northeast China, the Savoury rhododendron leaf (small-leaved loquat (R. capitatum Maxim.) from Northwest China, and the Przewalski's rhododendron (mountain-view rhododendron (R. przewalskii Maxim.), among others. Guangdong also has the yellow-flowered rhododendron.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Acrid and astrigent, slightly warm.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Relieves cough, eliminates phlegm, calms asthma, lowers blood pressure.

bubble_chart Indications

1. Relieves cough, eliminates phlegm, and alleviates asthma: Used for bronchitis, it is one of the commonly used medicines for treating chronic bronchitis in the elderly, especially effective for chronic bronchitis of the deficiency-cold type or phlegm-dampness type. This product has a strong effect on relieving cough and eliminating phlegm, but a weaker effect on alleviating asthma. It can be combined with Wrightia pubescens, Schefflera heptaphylla, Fresh Ginger Rhizome, etc., to enhance the therapeutic effect. For cases with more pronounced panting and inflammation, it can be combined with Elaeagnus pungens leaf, Ilex rotunda bark, Liquorice Root, etc., to strengthen the effects of alleviating asthma and reducing inflammation. This product, when combined with Schefflera heptaphylla, Heartleaf Houttuynia Herb, Elaeagnus pungens leaf, mountain Dahurian Angelica, etc., shows good efficacy in treating chronic bronchitis.
2. Lowers blood pressure: Used for hypertension. It has no significant effect on the blood pressure of normal individuals. The flowers, leaves, young branches, stems, and the whole plant of little cuckoo all have the effect of relieving cough and eliminating phlegm, but the flowers, leaves, and young branches are more effective.

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

3-10 grams. For internal use, decoct in water. Can be used fresh.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

1. According to chemical analysis, the leaves and twigs of Guangdong Mary Rhododendron contain volatile oils, flavonoids, phenols, organic acids, and a significant amount of tannins. From the flavonoids, compounds such as Mary Rhododendron Leaf and Twig A, B, C, D, and Daimyo Oak Bark have been isolated.
2. Antibacterial tests have shown that the decoction of Mary Rhododendron leaves and twigs inhibits the growth of Diplococcus pneumoniae, β-hemolytic streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus albus, and Micrococcus catarrhalis.
3. Mary Rhododendron Leaf and Twig A and B, as well as the volatile oils, have significant antitussive effects, while compound D has expectorant properties. Little Cuckoo also exhibits antitussive and expectorant effects.