The efficacy and function of Lythrum salicina

Lythrum salicaria is a common Chinese medicine. It can be used for medicinal purposes as well as for food. The effects and functions of Lythrum salicaria are quite comprehensive. Let's take a look at them together.

[Other names] Double-leaf lotus (Guizhou Folk Medicine), Double-tooth grass, Iron water chestnut (Hunan Materia Medica). Verbena, Verbena officinalis.

[Source] It is the whole herb of Lythrum salicina of the Lythraceae family. Harvest in autumn.

[Original morphology] Perennial herb, 30 to 100 cm tall, pubescent all over, sometimes glabrous. The stem is erect, much branched and four-sided. Leaves are opposite or in whorls of 3, narrowly lanceolate, 4-6 cm long, 8-15 mm wide, slightly obtuse or mucronate at apex, rounded or cordate at base, sometimes slightly clasping the stem. The raceme is terminal; the flowers are bisexual, with several clusters in the axils of leaf-like bracts; the calyx is tubular, 6-8 mm long, with 12 longitudinal ridges on the outside, 6 triangular lobes, and linear appendages longer than the calyx lobes, about 1.5-2 mm; the petals are 6, purple-red, oblong, and cuneate at the base; the stamens are 12, 6 long and 6 short; the ovary is sessile, 2-chambered, the style is cylindrical, and the stigma is capitate. The capsule is oval, completely enclosed in the calyx, and splits into two lobes when hot; there are many small seeds. Flowering period is from July to August.

[Habitat distribution] It grows in moist places and is often cultivated for ornamental purposes. It is distributed in most parts of our country.

【Chemical composition】 Contains vitexin, orientin, isoorientin, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, gallic acid, choline, tannin, pigment, volatile oil, pectin, resin and bioalkali.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter, cold.

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and cools blood. Clears away heat and toxins, astringes, breaks up meridians and relieves blood stasis. Treat dysentery, metrorrhagia, and ulcers. Used for dysentery and amenorrhea due to blood stasis.

[Usage and Dosage] Take orally as decoction, 0.5 to 1 liang. For external use: grind into powder and apply on the affected area.

[Additional prescription] ① Treat dysentery: 3 to 5 qian of Lythrum sachalinensis, decocted in water and taken orally. (Hunan Pharmacopoeia)

[Note] The same plant of the same genus , Lythrum salicina, is also used for medicinal purposes. The main differences from the previous species are: the stems and leaves are glabrous, the leaves are opposite and lanceolate; 3 to 5 flowers are gathered into short corymbs, which are arranged in whorls in the axils of leaves (bracts); the appendages of the calyx are short, about 0.6 mm long. Distributed in northern and northeastern my country.

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From "Herbal Medicine for Famine Relief"

The above are some little knowledge about Lythrum salicaria. If you feel it is suitable for your physical condition, you might as well give it a try. I believe it will bring about a significant improvement to your body.