The efficacy and function of parasites

For the Chinese medicinal material such as parasite, we should first understand its medicinal value and precautions before eating it. The following is an introduction about the parasite. I hope you can read it carefully, which will be of great help for your consumption.

[Other names] Square leaves, crab legs, spider plants, dragon's beard

[Source] It is the branches and leaves of the plant Eupatorium parasiticum of the Loranthaceae family. Harvested in summer and autumn.

[Original form] Evergreen small shrub, 10 to 13 cm high. The stem is multi-noded, branched, green, with longitudinal stripes, and the internodes are flat. The leaves are small and scaly. The flowers are unisexual and monoecious, borne on both sides of the top of the internode, arranged in simple, 3-flowered cymes; the flowers are yellow-green; the male perianth has 3, 3 stamens, very short filaments, 2 anthers, and longitudinally fissured on the sides; the female perianth has 3 lobes, and the ovary is surrounded by the perianth tube. The berries are oval, 2 to 4 mm long, and orange-yellow. The flowering period is late spring and early summer.

[Habitat distribution] It often parasitizes on trees such as poplar, euphorbia, and privet. Distributed in Hunan, Guangdong and other places.

【Functions and indications】 Treats gas pain and injuries.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 0.3-1 liang; or soak in wine.

[Additional prescription] ① Treat pain caused by qi: 3 to 5 qian of Euphorbia parasite. Decoction in water.

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

This is all we have to say about the efficacy of euphorbia parasites. I hope it will be helpful to you. Although the value of parasites is very high, we must be cautious when eating them.