The efficacy and function of pine cones

Metasequoia cones are a kind of traditional Chinese medicine. In addition to the effects we know in daily life, Metasequoia cones actually have many other effects and functions. Let’s take a look at them right away.

【Other name】 Pine cone

[Source] Medicinal material source: The cones of the Taxaceae plant Metasequoia.

[Original form] Semi-evergreen tree, 8-10m high, rarely up to 25m. The trunk has twisted patterns, the bark is brown, and cracked longitudinally into irregular long strips. The leaves are polymorphic. The scale-shaped leaves are thicker and spirally grown on perennial or current year main branches. They are about 2 mm long and have white stomatal spots that persist in winter. The linear leaves are flat on both sides, thin, often in 2 rows, 1-3 cm long, 1.5-4 mm wide, with air bands on both sides of the midrib on the back. The linear subulate leaves are flat on both sides and 4-11 mm long. Monoecious, cones solitary at branch tops; female cones ovate-elliptical, with 20-22 bracts; bracts fused with seed scales, separated only at the tip. The cones are obovate, about 2-2.5cm long and 1.3-1.5cm in diameter; the seed scales are woody, with 6-9 slightly outward-turned triangular sharp teeth on the upper edge of the back and a recurved tip near the middle; the seeds are 5-7mm long and 3-4mm wide, with long downward wings at the base, 4-7mm long. The flowering period is from January to February, and the cones mature in autumn.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Growing in areas below 1000m above sea level.

【Properties】 Identification of properties: The cones are obovate, about 2cm long. Greenish brown or brown. The seed scales are woody, of varying sizes, and arranged in spiral layers. The lowest layer of seed scales is flat and thick, with 6-9 slightly outward-facing triangular sharp teeth on the upper edge of the back and a recurved sharp head near the middle. There are seeds between the seed scales, and the seeds have long wings at the base. It has a slight fragrance and a bitter taste.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; neutral

【Functions and indications】Regulating qi and relieving pain. Mainly for stomachache and hernia pain

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 15-30g.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Therefore, through the detailed introduction of the Chinese medicine Metasequoia cones in the above article, it is not difficult to find that Metasequoia cones have many effects and functions, and their effects in health care are still very good.