The efficacy and function of Cyathula

Cyathula is a common type of traditional Chinese medicine with many different functions. It can treat some diseases of the human body. Let us now learn about its specific functions.

[Source] It is the root of Salacia chinensis of the Pterygium family. Available all year round. Wash, slice and dry.

[Original form] Climbing shrub, up to 4 meters long. The root bark is golden yellow, and the cross section often has five rings. The bark is gray-black; there are many branches, and the twigs are spindle-shaped. The leaves are opposite, leathery, elliptic, oblong to ovate-elliptic, 5-11 cm long, 2-5 cm wide, obtuse or shortly acuminate at the apex, cuneate at the base, with shallowly blunt teeth on the margins, and shiny on both sides. The flowers are small, light yellow, and clustered in groups of 3 to 6 on the tumor-like protrusions in the leaf axils; there are 5 sepals, which are very small and regular triangles; there are 5 petals, which are broadly ovate, spreading or curved outward; there are 3 stamens, with short, flat filaments, divergent locules, and a cup-shaped disc that surrounds the ovary; the style is short and conical. The fruit is spherical, about 1 cm in diameter, red when ripe, with a short stalk and persistent calyx, and 1 seed. The flowering period is from December to January of the following year.

【Habitat distribution】Grows on hillsides. In the bushes on the hills. Distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi and other places.

[Chemical composition] The root bark contains mangiferin, dulcitol, catechin tannic acid, rubber, etc. It is also said that Salacia contains unrestrained terpene-1-one-3, unrestrained terpene-1,3-ol-7 and unrestrained terpene-1,3-aldehyde-24.

[Pharmacological action] Dulcitol is galactitol, which is an isomer with mannitol and sorbitol. It is rarely metabolized in the human body (21%), cannot relieve insulin shock, and does not cause diabetes. It can be a precursor of glycogen in rats.

【Nature and flavor】Astringent, warm.

【Functions and indications】 Promotes blood circulation, dispels wind and dampness. Treat rheumatic joint capsule, lumbar muscle strain, and physical weakness.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 0.5-1 liang; or soaked in wine. (The properties and flavors are from the Guangzhou Army's "Handbook of Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Medicines")

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From the Guangzhou Army's "Handbook of Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Medicines"

The above describes some ways to eat Cyathula capitata. Although many medicinal herbs can be eaten, we must remind everyone that Chinese medicines generally cannot be taken indiscriminately and should be used according to your own situation.