The efficacy and function of small algae

Traditional Chinese medicine is a Chinese tradition. For many Chinese people, seeing a Chinese doctor and taking Chinese medicine when they are sick is their tradition and habit. Therefore, Chinese medicine is liked by many people. Sedum serrata is a common Chinese medicinal material. Let’s learn about it together below.

【English name】 Fir Algae

[Other names] Tea rice, small cedar seaweed, small grape algae, tea algae

[Source] Medicinal material source: The algae of the Taxodium spp. of the Taxodium family.

[Original morphology] The algae are reddish purple, shiny, cartilaginous, strong, densely clustered, 1-2cm high, and up to 4.5cm wide. The body is creeping, overlapping each other in clumps. The upright branches are flat, subpinnate, irregularly alternate or opposite, with pointed tips, often recurved like chicken claws, and the pith is composed of colorless long algal filaments. The capsule is spherical and protrudes from the body surface.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: grows on intertidal rocks.

【Properties】 Identification of properties: The algae is purple-red, densely packed in masses, 2-4cm long, and cartilaginous. The branches are flat and irregularly pinnate, with the tips strongly recurved like claws. Prominent capsules can be seen on the surface of the algae. It has a slightly fishy smell and a slightly salty taste.

【Chemical composition】 Mainly contains carrageenan.

【Nature and flavor】 Sweet; Salty; Cold

【Meridian】 Stomach; Large Intestine

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat; harmonizes the stomach; promotes bowel movements. Mainly used for gastric and duodenal ulcers; chronic constipation

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 3-10g.

[Discussions by various scholars] "Xinhua Compendium of Materia Medica": Whole algae: sweet and salty in taste, cold in nature. It has the functions of clearing away heat, harmonizing the stomach and promoting bowel movements. It is used for gastric and duodenal ulcers, and can also be used as a laxative for chronic constipation.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

I believe that through the detailed introduction of Sugihara in this article, everyone can understand the efficacy and medicinal properties of Sugihara. I hope this helps you all.