The efficacy and function of bull's eyeballs

As a traditional Chinese medicine, do you know the medicinal value of ox eyeballs? How does traditional Chinese medicine use ox eyeballs to treat diseases? And what should you pay attention to when using ox eyeballs to treat diseases in daily life? Don't worry, we will answer them one by one for you.

[Other names] Cow eyeball, cow eye, cow eye

[Source] Medicinal material source: The seeds of Strychnos nux vomica of the Loganaceae family.

[Original form] Climbing woody vine, up to 10m long. Except for the inflorescence and corolla, the whole plant is glabrous. The twigs are opposite, the modified branches become spiral hooks, the hooks are 2-5cm long, and the old branches sometimes become thorns. Simple leaves are opposite; petiole is 4-6mm long; leaf blade is round or ovate-elliptical, 4-8cm long, 2.5-4cm wide, with short acuminate or acute tip, rounded base, entire margin; 3-5 basal veins, 2 veins close to the edge are slender, and the veinlets are mesh-like and protruding on the back of the leaf. The trifurcated cyme is terminal, 2-4cm long, and covered with short soft hairs; the bracts are small; the calyx is small, and the lobes are ovate-triangular; the corolla tube is about 3-4mm long, white or light yellow, the lobes are narrow, equal in length to the tube, and the inner surface of the base is covered with long soft hairs; the stamens and ovary are glabrous. The berries are spherical, bright red when ripe, 2-4cm in diameter, with smooth, slightly hard, red or orange-yellow skin. The seeds are oblate, 1-2 cm in diameter, concave in the middle, and have patterns on the edges. The flowering period is from April to June, and the fruiting period is from June to December.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown under sparse forests or in thickets in mountains.

[Properties] Identification of properties: The seeds are oblate, 0.8-1.5cm in diameter, 0.2-0.3cm thick, one side is slightly concave, the other side is slightly convex. The surface is gray-brown-green, covered with creeping short hairs that radiate from the center to the surrounding areas. The cotyledons are heart-shaped, with 3 veins, and the radicle is about 1.5mm long. It has a faint smell and a slightly bitter taste. Microscopic identification: The non-glandular hairs on the seed coat are 200-750μm long and about 20μm in diameter. The wall has 8-9 rib-like thickenings, twisted into braids, with acuminate tips and stone cell-like bases.

【Chemical composition】 The seeds contain strychnine and brucine.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; Cold; Highly toxic

【Functions and indications】Promote blood circulation and activate collaterals; reduce swelling and relieve pain. It is used for rheumatic pain, numbness of hands and feet, hemiplegia, carbuncle, swelling and infection, and traumatic injury.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral administration: in pills or powder, 0.5-1g. For external use: take appropriate amount and mash fresh product for application.

【Note】 Do not take it for a long time to avoid poisoning. Pregnant women should not take it. "National Collection of Chinese Herbal Medicines": "This product should not be taken for a long time. Overdose can cause stiff neck and face, dilated pupils, rapid breathing, and slight stimulation can cause convulsions, opisthotonos, convulsive laughter, tremors and other poisoning symptoms."

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The above is some basic information about cow eyeballs. I hope you can learn more about Chinese herbal medicine, which will be beneficial to you.