The efficacy and function of leaf elephant flower

Leaf elephant flower is a common Chinese medicine. It can be used for medicinal purposes as well as for food. The effects and functions of leaf elephant flower are quite comprehensive. Let's take a look at it together.

[Other names] Herbal poinsettia (Flora of Hainan), poinsettia (Wenshan Chinese Herbal Medicine).

[Source] It is the whole herb of Euphorbiaceae plant Orangutan . Available all year round.

[Original form] Annual herb, about 1 meter high. The stem is erect and solitary, with thick branches that spread out obliquely. White juice will flow out when broken. The young stem is hollow and green. The simple leaves are alternate, with various shapes, including ovate, elliptical, deeply wavy or undivided. The middle and lower leaves are 4 to 10 cm long, 2.5 to 5 cm wide, and lyre-shaped or undivided; the petioles are 2 to 3 cm long; some or all of the leaves at the bottom of the inflorescence are purple-red. The inflorescence is cup-shaped, growing at the top of the stem or branch and arranged in a dense corymbose shape; the involucre is green and bell-shaped, with 5 lobes at the top; there are 1 to 2 glands, cup-shaped, without petal-like appendages; the ovary is ovate, 3-chambered, with 3 styles, free, and 2-lobed at the top. Capsule oval-triangular, about 5 mm in diameter. The seeds are oval with wart-like protrusions on the surface.

[Habitat distribution] It is cultivated in all parts of my country.

【Chemical composition】 The seeds contain protein. Fatty oil, containing linoleic acid and linolenic acid, etc.

[Pharmacological action] The hot water extracts of flowers and leaves have inhibitory effects on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37) in vitro, while the stems and roots are ineffective. The leaves or juice of the plant are poisonous and ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and delirium. The toxic component may be in the resin part.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter, cold.

【Functions and indications】Regulate menstruation and stop bleeding, set bones and reduce swelling. Treats menorrhagia, bruises, and fractures.

[Additional prescription] ① For treating menorrhagia and traumatic injuries: decoct 2 to 3 grams of leaf elephant flower in water and take twice a day.

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From "Wenshan Chinese Herbal Medicine".

The above is some introduction to the effects and functions of the Chinese medicine Leaf Elephant Flower. Leaf Elephant Flower is very helpful for human diseases, but it is worth noting that we should use symptomatic medication according to our personal physical condition and avoid indiscriminate consumption.