Botanical Name: Desmodium styracifolium

Common Name:

English: Coin grass, Goldcoin
Also, known as: 金钱草, Jīn Qián Cǎo, Gold Coin Grass, Gold money herb or Ground Ivy, Jin Qian Cao, Snow bell grass, Snow bell Leaves

Origin: China

Harvested: Wild

Parts Used: Leaves & Branches

General Information:

Gold Coin Grass is the common name for many herbs with leaves that resemble gold coins. They are generally used for the same purposes in Traditional Chinese Medicine, although they are not closely related. To name some, Lysimachia christinae, Desmodium styracifolium & Glechoma hederaea. Desmodium styracifolium is the most common plant in the West that is known as Chinese Gold Coin Grass. This plant originated in Asia and has a variety of uses in herbal medicine.

Gold Coin Grass can grow up to one meter in height. It has simple leaves that grow on opposite sides of the stems. This plant grows as a small shrub with many branches. The oval leaves are less than one inch wide and less than two inches in length. The plant has small, purple flowers which grow as racemes and bloom in summer. Gold Coin Grass is a perennial plant that is very cold-hardy. Each plant has male and female flowers that are pollinated by insects.

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Gold Coin Grass Cut