The efficacy and function of juniper leaves

Juniper leaves are commonly used as medicinal materials in traditional Chinese medicine. This is also because of the medicinal value of the juniper leaves themselves, so today I will tell you about the relevant knowledge about the juniper leaves.

[Other names] Chaidamu juniper, Longdong juniper (Illustrated Guide to Higher Plants of China).

[Source] The leaves of the Qilian juniper , a plant of the Cupressaceae family. It can be harvested throughout the year and used raw or stir-fried.

[Original morphology] An evergreen tree, more than 10 meters high, with young branches spreading or drooping, and twigs that are thin, very dense, nearly square, or cylindrical, with a diameter of about 1.3 mm. The leaves are scale-like, closely attached to the branches, often with wax powder, arranged alternately, 1 to 2.5 mm long, with acute or pointed tips; the glands are round and grown at the base of the back of the leaves; the thorny leaves are arranged in whorls, obliquely spreading, and 4 to 8 mm long. The cones are ovoid or nearly spherical, 9 to 14 mm long, blue-black or black when ripe, and contain one seed. The seeds are oblate or broadly obovate, with distinct ridges on both sides, a broad, round, truncated or slightly concave apex, often with a convex blunt tip in the center, and a shallow, irregular resin groove on the surface.

【Habitat distribution】Grows in mountains. Distributed in Qinghai, Gansu and Sichuan.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter, slightly cold.

【Functions and indications】Hemostasis and antitussive.

[Additional prescription] ① For treating hemoptysis, hematemesis, hematuria, bloody stool and uterine bleeding: 2 to 4 qian of Juniperus chinensis leaves, stir-fry until charcoal is formed, and decoct in water for oral administration.

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

The above describes some ways to eat juniper leaves. 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.