The efficacy and function of Shifeng medicine

The traditional Chinese medicine Shifeng is often used by people in real life because of its effects and efficacy. So, what kind of effects and functions does Shifeng medicine have? Let us study it together.

[Other names] Shrimp grass, red shrimp grass, arrow grass, iron green grass, Zhalang grass, cucumber rice grass, pine thorn knot, hard stem white flower, snake tongue grass, chicken tongue, stone ear wind, stone ear grass

[Source] Medicinal material source: the whole herb of Rhizoma Cibotii of the Rubiaceae family.

[Original morphology] The annual weak, loose herb, 15-40cm high. The stem is much branched, and the upper part of the branchlets is quadrangular. Leaves are opposite; sessile; the top of the stipules are split into several bristle-like spines; the leaf blades are thin leathery, linear or linear-lanceolate, acute or acuminate at the apex, rounded at the base, 2.5-5cm long, 3-5mm wide, dark green above, light green below, and entire. 1-3 flowers clustered in leaf axils; no pedicels; bracteoles needle-shaped, about 1mm long; calyx tube obovate, about 1mm long, lobes linear-lanceolate, about 1.8mm long, with ciliate edges; corolla white, funnel-shaped, about 3mm long, lobes oblong, about 1.5mm long; 4 stamens, attached to the throat of the corolla tube; style filiform. Stigma slightly swollen. The capsule is ovate, about 2.5mm long, 1.5-2mm in diameter, and cracked at the tip. There are many tiny seeds. The flowering period is from July to September, and the fruiting period is from October to November.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: grows beside fields, roadsides or in grass in the wilderness.

[Properties] Identification of properties: The whole plant is mostly twisted into a ball and is black in color. The stem is much branched, and the upper part is sharply quadrangular. Leaves are opposite, linear to linear-lanceolate, 2-4cm long, gradually pointed at the apex, dark brown above and lighter beneath; the top of the stipules are split into several bristle-like spines. The flowers are 4 in number, without pedicels, clustered in 2-3 in the leaf axils, with 2 bracts, the calyx tube is obovate, the corolla is white, funnel-shaped, the lobes are oblong, and the stamens are attached to the throat of the corolla tube. The capsule is ovate, about 2.5mm long, dehiscent at the apex and with a persistent calyx. Slight odor, light taste.

【Nature and flavor】 slightly bitter; neutral; cold

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and detoxifies; promotes blood circulation and relieves pain. It is mainly used for cough due to lung heat, chronic hepatitis, swelling, appendicitis, dysentery, toothache due to wind and fire, hernia in children, trauma, and snake bites.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 15-30g. For external use: take appropriate amount and mash it for application.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Having said so much, we can see that Shifeng medicine has many functions. It can also be used as medicine to treat diseases. You might as well know more about these, it will be helpful in your life.