European Verbena Herb Classic Formulas

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Invigorates blood and unblocks the menses - Ma Bian Cao is used for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and abdominal masses when blood stasis and heat bind the lower burner.
Clears heat and resolves toxicity - it is a traditional herb for severe sore throat, swollen gums, heat toxin accumulations, and some breast abscess patterns.
Promotes urination and reduces edema - it is used when damp obstruction, swelling, or later-stage parasitic edema require a moving, draining herb.

Menstrual stasis combinations may pair Ma Bian Cao with Dan Shen, Yi Mu Cao, Xiang Fu, or Yan Hu Suo for amenorrhea and painful periods.
Heat-toxin and breast-abscess strategies combine it with Pu Gong Ying, Zi Hua Di Ding, or other toxin-resolving herbs.
Edema and ascites formulas may pair Ma Bian Cao with Ban Bian Lian, Chuan Niu Xi, or Liu Ji Nu when dampness and obstruction predominate.

American Dragon and other TCM sources place Ma Bian Cao among blood-invigorating herbs while also emphasizing its heat-clearing and urination-promoting functions.
Traditional notes specifically mention its usefulness when blood stasis is complicated by blood heat that dries and congeals the blood.
Because it moves blood and drains, it is used cautiously in weak or pregnant patients.