What is Broadbean Flower?

The Broadbean flower is a perennial or annual herb, standing at a height of 30-180cm. It features an upright, unbranched stem, devoid of hair. Its even pinnate leaves are graced by large stipules in a semi-arrow shape with a white membranous edge, sparsely serrated and hairless.

The tip of the leaf stalk exhibits a degenerated tendril. It has 2-6 leaflets with an oval or broad oval to elongated leaf shape, measuring 4-8cm in length and 2.5-4cm in width.

Its leaf tips are round or blunt with a fine tip, and the leaf base is wedge-shaped, possessing a smooth margin.

Flowering Period

The plant showcases axillary or solitary racemes with extremely short peduncles. Its calyx is bell-shaped and membranous, approximately 1.3cm long with five lobes, and its lobes are lanceolate, the upper two being slightly shorter.

The corolla is butterfly-shaped, white with red-purple patterns. Its standard petal is ovate with a blunt tip, narrowing towards the base. The wing petals are oval with rounded tips, the base forming an ear-shaped triangle, one side having a claw, while the keel petals are semicircular in a triangular shape, also possessing a claw.

The plant has ten stamens in two groups. The ovary is stalkless and hairless, with a cluster of white beard hairs at the tip of the flower branch. Its pods are oval and plump, measuring 5-10cm in length and about 2cm in width.

There are 2-4 seeds per pod, which are elliptical and slightly flat. The flower blooms in March-April, and the fruiting period is from June-August.

Harvesting

The flower is harvested around the time of the Qingming Festival when it blooms, and it is then dried in the sun or by roasting.

Medicinal Use

The dried flower is dark brown, shriveled, and approximately 2cm long. The calyx closely adheres to the corolla, with five lobes at the tip, each of which may be fragmented due to drying. The standard petal is on the outside, enveloping the wing and keel petals.

Due to the shriveling and curling, it can be challenging to distinguish. It emits a faint fragrance and tastes bland. The ideal medicinal flower is dry, intact, and dark purple in color.

Identification

The flower is typically shriveled, 2-3cm long, and dark brown in color. Usually, one to several flowers grow on a very short peduncle. The calyx is bell-shaped, tightly attached to the corolla tube, with five lobes at the tip. The lobes are ovate lanceolate and uneven in length.

The corolla is butterfly-shaped, with the standard petal enveloping the wing and keel petals. The wing petal has a large dark purple spot in the center.

The flower emits a faint fragrance and tastes bland. The preferred ones are those that are whole, free of leaves, and stems.

Clinical Application

It is used for treating vomiting, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), nosebleeds, and spots associated with fever.

This flower has a hemostatic function and is used for hemoptysis and vomiting of blood. It can be combined with lotus nodes for usage. For the treatment of nosebleeds, it can be used with blood remainder charcoal and Imperata cylindrica flower. When used for fever with rashes, it can be combined with moutan bark.

The product can also be used to treat vaginal discharge and hypertension. It has the function of stopping discharge and reducing blood pressure.

Dosage and Administration

Oral administration: decoction, 2 to 3 qian (approximately 7.5 to 11.25 grams), or fresh product 0.5 to 1 liang (approximately 15 to 30 grams); it can be taken in juice form or steamed.

Formulas

1. For treating cough with blood: use 3 qian of Broadbean flower. Decoct in water and remove the dregs. Dissolve an appropriate amount of rock sugar. Consume two to three times a day. (From ‘Modern Practical Chinese Medicine’)
2. For treating bleeding due to heat: use 1 liang of fresh Broadbean flower. Decoct in water for consumption.

Additional Medicines

1. Broadbean Skin: It is the seed skin of the Broadbean. It has the effect of strengthening the spleen and resolving dampness. It can be used for edema, often used with Hyacinth bean skin and wax gourd peel. The general dosage is three to five qian (approximately 11.25 to 18.75 grams), decocted.
2. Broadbean Stem: This is the stem of the Broadbean. It has hemostatic effects, which can treat hemoptysis and vomiting of blood. The general dosage is five qian to one liang (approximately 15 to 30 grams), decocted. If using fresh sprouts, the hemostatic effect is even better. Use two to three liang (approximately 60 to 90 grams), wash with cold boiled water, crush and stir into juice for consumption.
3. Broadbean Pod: This is the shell of the Broadbean. Roast it into charcoal, grind into a fine powder, mix with sesame oil for external application. It can be used for purulent sores, burns and scalds. The amount for external use varies.