Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides syn. Gardenia augusta, Gardenia florida)

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Botanical Information

• Family: Rubiaceae
• Common Names: Cape Jasmine, Zhi Zi (Chinese)
• Parts Used: Flowers, fruit

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Description

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub native to China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Known for its fragrant white flowers, it has long been valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other traditional healing systems for its cooling, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties.

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Historical and Traditional Uses

• Used in TCM as a heat-clearing herb to reduce fever, inflammation, and irritability.
• Employed for liver and gallbladder health.
• Applied topically for burns, swelling, and bruises.
• Traditionally taken for anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.

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Constituents

• Iridoid glycosides (geniposide, gardenoside)
• Flavonoids
• Tannins
• Volatile oils
• Carotenoids

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Actions

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antipyretic (fever-reducing)
• Sedative
• Hepatoprotective (liver-supporting)
• Antioxidant
• Antimicrobial

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Medicinal Uses

1. Liver and Gallbladder Health:
Gardenia fruit is traditionally used in TCM to support liver function, aid bile flow, and reduce liver heat.

2. Fever and Inflammation Reduction:
Helps cool excess heat in the body, useful for fevers, infections, and inflammatory conditions.

3. Anxiety and Sleep Support:
Used to calm the mind, reduce stress, and aid sleep.

4. Skin and Wound Healing:
Applied topically for burns, wounds, and inflammatory skin conditions.

5. Digestive and Urinary Health:
Traditionally used to support digestion and ease urinary tract discomfort.

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Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea):

• 1-2 tsp of dried flowers or fruit per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10-15 minutes and drink up to twice daily.

Tincture:

• 2-5 ml taken up to 3 times daily.

Poultice (Topical Use):

• Crushed fresh flowers or fruit applied to skin irritations and wounds.

Decoction:

• 5-10 grams of dried fruit boiled in water for liver and fever support.

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Precautions and Contraindications

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Consult a healthcare provider before use.
• Sedative Effects: May enhance the effects of medications for anxiety and sleep.
• Cooling Nature: Avoid excessive use in individuals with cold or deficient conditions.

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Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Cooling and bitter; clears heat, calms irritability, and supports liver and heart health.
• Traditional Western Herbalism: Used for inflammation, nervous system support, and liver health.
• Ayurveda: Primarily balances Pitta, but excessive use may aggravate Vata.

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Combinations

• For Liver Health: Combine with dandelion and milk thistle.
• For Fever Reduction: Combine with chrysanthemum and honeysuckle.
• For Anxiety and Sleep: Combine with passionflower and lemon balm.

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Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting: Flowers and fruit are collected in summer and early autumn.
• Drying: Air dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
• Storage: Store dried flowers and fruit in airtight containers away from moisture and light.

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Modern Research

Studies confirm Gardenia jasminoides’s anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and sedative properties, reinforcing its traditional applications.

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Gardenia remains a valuable herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for liver health, anxiety relief, and inflammation reduction.