The efficacy and function of horseshoe root

Water chestnut root is a very common Chinese medicinal material in daily life. It has high medicinal and nutritional value to the human body, and it is not too difficult to purchase. Let’s analyze several aspects of horseshoe root.

【Alias】 Horseshoe fern

[Source] It is the rhizome of the giant rosette fern of the Rosette Pteris family. It can be harvested throughout the year, washed, sliced ​​and dried.

【Original morphology】 The plant is tall. Rhizome spherical, hypertrophic. Large 1-3 times pinnate compound leaves, papery, with thick and long petioles and two fleshy stipule-like appendages (shaped like horseshoes) at the base; pinnae are oblong, 48 cm long, 20-30 cm wide, petiole about 6 cm long, brown; pinnules are broadly lanceolate, nearly opposite, base pinnules are 10-12 cm long, upper pinnules are 16-22 cm long and about 3 cm wide. Spore sori are oblong, 2 mm long, close to each other, arranged in 2 rows along the back edge of the pinnules, and brown.

[Habitat distribution] It grows in shady and moist places such as under forests by mountain streams and by water. Distributed in Yunnan, Guangxi and other places.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter, cold.

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and detoxifies, stops bleeding, removes dampness and promotes diuresis. Treat enteritis, dysentery, and abdominal distension caused by food stagnation. Nephritis edema, pulmonary tuberculosis, hemoptysis, metrorrhagia, trauma, rheumatism, gastric and duodenal ulcers.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 0.5-1 liang; or grind into powder.

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From "Selected Chinese Herbal Medicines in Simao, Yunnan"

As a common Chinese medicinal material, water chestnut root is often forgotten by people. In fact, its effects and functions are beyond your imagination. As long as you are good at eating it and use the right method, I believe it will be of great help to your body.