The efficacy and function of pine branches and leaves

As people's living standards continue to improve, health and longevity are gradually valued by us, so nowadays health-preserving diet therapy methods are very popular, the trend of traditional Chinese medicine is becoming more and more popular, and Chinese medicine has once again occupied people's vision. Today we will talk about the Chinese medicine water pine branches and leaves.

[Other names] Pine beard, pine leaf

[Source] Medicinal material source: branches and leaves of the Taxaceae plant Metasequoia glyptostroboides.

[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] Characteristic identification: The twigs are cylindrical, with scale-shaped or subulate leaves, which are closely arranged. The scale leaves are small, about 4mm long, the subulate leaves are slightly larger, 6-10mm long, green or withered green, and arranged in pinnate shapes. The texture is slightly hard. It has a slight fragrance and a slightly astringent taste.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; warm

【Functions and indications】Relieve rheumatism; dredge meridians and relieve pain; kill insects and relieve itching. Mainly used for rheumatic bone pain, hypertension, low back pain, dermatitis

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 15-30g. For external use: take appropriate amount, decoct in water for washing or mash for application.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Based on the above description of the branches and leaves of Metasequoia, it can be seen that the branches and leaves of Metasequoia have many benefits to the human body, and there are many ways and uses for them. The pharmacological effects of the branches and leaves of Metasequoia can be used to treat corresponding diseases.