The efficacy and function of comb leaves

Comb leaf is a famous traditional commonly used Chinese medicinal material in my country with a long history of application. Today we will learn about comb leaves.

[Other names] Golden cocktail, annual pine, big fern, mountain flower fern

[Source] Medicinal material source: the whole herb of the plant Diplocarpus serrata of the family Pteridaceae.

【Original morphology】Plant height 30-60cm. The rhizome is long, horizontal, and strong, with densely covered black, lanceolate scales at the apex and base of the petiole and small teeth on the edges. Leaves subsperm; petiole 15-30cm long, straw color, hard; leaf blade thick papery, glabrous, oblong or ovate-oblong, 20-40cm long, 15-20cm wide, once pinnate; lateral pinnae 2-5 pairs, alternate, oblique upward, with short petioles, oblong-lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, 10-16cm long, 2.5-5cm wide, acuminate and slightly caudate at the apex, broadly cuneate at the base, entire or sparsely serrulate toward the apex, terminal pinnae and lateral pinnae of the same shape; midrib distinct, with shallow longitudinal grooves above, rounded and raised below, lateral veins pinnate-forked, slightly oblique upward, with 3-5 veinlets in each group reaching the leaf edge. The sori are linear, usually borne in pairs on the upper and lower sides of the veinlets, with 1-2 lateral veins on each group, extending near the midrib and almost reaching the leaf edge; the sori cover is the same shape and membranous.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Growing in mountain forests, stream banks or on wet rocks at an altitude of 350-1400m.

【Chemical composition】 Contains makisterone A, B and D.

【Nature and flavor】 Slightly bitter; cold

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and dampness; cools blood and detoxifies. Indications: Damp-heat jaundice; snake bites; traumatic bleeding; dysmenorrhea

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 15-30g. For external use: appropriate amount, crush the fresh product and apply; or dry it in the sun and grind it into powder for application.

[Additional prescription] The main vein of the leaves of this product is prominent, and the lateral veins are arranged neatly like a comb, hence the name.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

This article introduces to us what comb leaves are. We know that comb leaves have very high medicinal effects, but we must remind everyone that comb leaves are generally not to be eaten indiscriminately, otherwise it will cause serious consequences. I hope everyone will treat it with caution.