The efficacy and function of water hemp tiao

Modern medical research believes that water hemp tiao contains many nutrients that are beneficial to the human body. As a traditional Chinese medicine, its efficacy and function have been widely recognized. Let's take a look at its specific situation.

[Other names] Tibetan Polygonum, Concave Leaf Polygonum, Water Plow Wall Grass, Fire Scald Grass, Lala Grass, Red Dragon Grass

[Source] Medicinal material source: the whole herb of Polygonum multiflorum, Polygonaceae.

[Original form] Annual herb, 30-70cm tall. The stem is erect or ascending, sometimes procumbent at the lower part, with creeping branches, quadrangular, and with inverted spines along the edges. Leaves are alternate; petioles have narrow wings and prickles; stipules are membranous, cylindrical, usually with herbaceous edges, green, and curled outwards; leaf blades are halberd-shaped, 4-9cm long, 2-6cm wide, acuminate at the apex, truncated or slightly cordate at the base, with short eyelashes on the edges, sparsely covered with appressed hairs on the upper side, and appressed hairs along the veins on the lower side. Cymes are terminal or axillary; bracts are ovate, green, and short-haired; pedicels are densely glandular and short-haired; flowers are white or light red; perianth is deeply lobed into 5 parts; stamens are 8; styles are 3, and stigmas are capitate. Achenes are ovate, three-ribbed, yellowish brown, smooth and dull. Flowering and fruiting period is July-August.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in valley grasslands and wet waterside.

[Chemical composition] The whole herb of Polygonum aviculare contains persicarin[1] and quercitrin[2]. Its buds and leaves contain chrysanthemin, canin, keracyanin, lycori-cyanin, paeonin, cyanidin, del-Phinidin, peonidin, malvidin[3], and 2,6-dimethoxy benzoquinone[4].

[Pharmacological Action] The quercetin contained in this product has antiviral effects. It can eliminate influenza virus A in mouse tissues and chicken embryos, and also has anti-vesicular stomatitis virus effects [1]. The 2,6-dimethoxybenzoquinone contained in this product has a detoxifying effect on benzimidazole antifungal drugs[2].

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; pungent; cold

【Meridian】 Stomach meridian

【Functions and indications】 Dispel wind and clear heat; promote blood circulation and relieve pain. It is used for wind-heat headache, cough, cancer rash, dysentery, traumatic injury, and tuberculosis.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 9-159. For external use: take appropriate amount and apply after mixing.

[Discussions by various scholars] "Illustrated Catalogue of Plant Names and Realities": Mash the herb into a pulp and drink it with freshly drawn water to treat sha syndrome.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

After the above introduction to water hemp tiao, we have a detailed understanding of water hemp tiao. In life, we can learn more about the characteristics of water hemp and make full use of its medicinal value to serve our lives.