The efficacy and function of milkwood

I don’t know if you are familiar with milkwood and whether you understand its effects and functions. Let’s take a closer look at the value and eating methods of milkwood.

[Other names] Ox tongue tree, Akebia trifoliata, one mother and three things, one kind and three seedlings

[Source] Medicinal material source: the root or whole plant of Ficus heterophylla of the Moraceae family.

[Original form] Deciduous shrub or small tree, 2-5m high. The bark is gray-brown; the young branches are reddish-brown with short nodes. Leaves are alternate, with great variation; petioles are 1.5-6cm long and red; stipules are lanceolate, about 1cm long; leaf blades are obovate-elliptical, obovate, lanceolate or lyre-shaped, 7-18cm long, 2-7cm wide, with apex long acuminate and acute, base rounded or nearly cordate, entire or wavy, leaf surface rough, with small stalactites on the back; 3 basal veins, short, red, with 5-15 pairs of lateral veins. The inflorescence receptacle (fig) grows in pairs in leaf axils, rarely solitary, sessile, spherical or conical, smooth, 6-10mm in diameter, with terminal bracts umbilical, 3 basal bracts, ovate, and mature figs purple-black; male flowers and thin flowers grow on the same inner wall of the inflorescence receptacle; male flowers are scattered, with 4-5 tepals, spoon-shaped, and 2-3 stamens; gall flowers have 5-6 tepals and short styles; female flowers grow on the inner wall of another inflorescence receptacle, with 4-5 tepals and lateral styles. Achene. The flowering period is April-May, and the fruiting period is May-July.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in valleys at medium altitudes, water banks, and forest wetlands.

【Nature and flavor】 Slightly bitter; astringent; slightly cool

【Functions and indications】 Expel wind and dampness; resolve phlegm and relieve cough; promote blood circulation; detoxify. Mainly used for rheumatic pain, cough, trauma, and snake bites

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 15-30g; or soak in wine. For external use: take appropriate amount and wash with decoction.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Everyone should know about the medicinal value of milkwood. We should pay more attention to information in this area so that we can be prepared when encountering problems and avoid panic.