The effects and functions of Viscum album

As people's living standards improve, they pay more attention to health preservation. Many people know that the Chinese medicine Viscum album is good for the body and can treat many diseases. Let’s learn about it today.

[Other names] Maple parasite, longevity wood parasite, persimmon parasite, camphor wood parasite, pear parasite (Guangxi Medicinal Plant List), Quercus subspinipes parasite (Hainan Flora), mistletoe (Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Medicines in Tibet).

[Source] It is the branches and leaves of Viscum album, a plant of the Loranthaceae family.

[Original form] A parasitic small shrub, about 1 meter tall. The branches are cylindrical, gray-brown; the twigs are four-angled or multi-angled, 2-3-pronged, the nodes are slightly swollen, and the internodes are 1-4 cm long. The leaves have degenerated into scales. The flowers are extremely small, sessile, solitary or whorled at nodes; the male flower corolla is solid with 4 lobes; the female flower is spherical, about 1 mm long, with a cup-shaped bract at the base and a truncate tip; the corolla has 4 lobes that fall off; the ovary is inferior. The berries are oval, 3 to 4 mm long, yellow when ripe, and smooth. Flowering period is from August to September. Fruiting season: autumn and winter.

[Habitat distribution] It parasitizes on trees such as elm, mulberry, willow and poplar. Distributed in southern my country and Tibet.

[Properties and flavors] "Commonly used Chinese herbal medicines in Tibet": "Neutral in nature, bitter in taste."

【Functions and indications】 ① "Guangxi Medicinal Plant List": "Dispel wind, strengthen the body, relax muscles, clear away heat, relieve cough, and reduce inflammation. Treat lung disease, vomiting blood, breast sores, and abdominal pain."

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 1 to 3 qian.

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

From the above explanation, we have some understanding of the effects and functions of Viscum album. If you have any discomfort in your body, you can use Chinese medicine to regulate it. Chinese medicine has a long history of treating diseases, so you can eat it with confidence.