The efficacy and function of water horse mulberry branches and leaves

In our lives, the branches and leaves of water mulberry have attracted our attention because of their extremely high medicinal value. Let's take a closer look at what the water horse mulberry leaves are.

【Other name】 Cotinus cochinchinensis leaves

[Source] Medicinal material source: The branches and leaves of the plant Lobelia of the Caprifoliaceae family.

[Original morphology] Half moon shrub, up to 6m high; petiole 0.5-1.5cm long, hairy; leaves long ovate to ovate-elliptical, rarely obovate, 5-15cm long, 3-8cm wide, apex acuminate to long acuminate, base broadly cuneate to rounded, margin serrate, dark green above, sparsely covered with short soft hairs, denser hairs on veins, light green below, densely covered with short soft hairs. The inflorescence is single or with 3 flowers, born in the axils or tops of short branches; the calyx tube is 10-12mm long, with 5 lobes, linear, 5-10mm long, and covered with soft hairs; the corolla is white or light red, gradually turning red after blooming, funnel-shaped and bell-shaped, 2.5-3.5cm long, usually with hairs, the base of the tube is narrowly tubular, suddenly expanding above the middle, with 5 lobes; there are 5 stamens, inserted near the middle of the corolla, the filaments are white, and the anthers are yellow-brown; the style is slender, the stigma is disc-shaped, and extends out of the corolla. The capsule is oblong, 1.5-2cm long, with a short stalked beak at the tip and sparsely pubescent. Seeds narrowly winged. The flowering period is from April to June, and the fruiting period is from June to July.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Growing in hillside forests, mountain top thickets and ditch edges at an altitude of 450-1800m.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; cold

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and detoxifies. Mainly used for carbuncle; furuncle

【Usage and Dosage】 For external use: take appropriate amount and wash with decocted water.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The branches and leaves of water mulberry are often used in the treatment of some diseases. They can be made into a compound prescription or used alone as needed. However, the branches and leaves of water mulberry should not be consumed blindly to avoid adverse effects on the body.