The efficacy and function of Sedum

Sedum is a very common Chinese medicine and also a very important medicinal material. We need to pay attention to it. Sedum can be used in combination with other medicines, and we need to take them appropriately according to our physical condition. Let’s take a look at the main effects and functions of the Chinese medicinal herb Sedum.

[Source] Medicinal material source: The flower of Hylotelephium erythrostictum (Miq.) H.Ohba of the Crassulaceae family.

[Original form] Babao is a perennial succulent herb, 30-70cm tall. The root tuber is carrot-shaped. The stem is erect, unbranched, with purple nodes and the whole plant covered with white powder. Leaves are opposite, rarely alternate or in whorls of 3; nearly sessile; leaf blades are elliptic to ovate-oblong, 4.5-10cm long, 2-4cm wide, with acute or obtuse apex, cuneate base, and shallowly wavy serrations on the margins. Inflorescence is corymbose, apical; flowers are densely packed, pedicels are about 1 cm long; sepals are 5, lanceolate or ovate, 1.5 mm long; petals are 5, white or pink, broadly lanceolate, 5-6 mm long; stamens are 10, in 2 whorls, equal in length to petals or slightly shorter, anthers are purple; scales are 5, oblong-cuneate, 1 mm long, apex slightly emarginate; carpels are 5, separate, needle-shaped, light red. Follicles, erect, reddish or rose red. The flowering period is from July to September, and the fruiting period is October.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in grass on hillsides, in cracks in rocks or in wetlands beside ditches.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; Cold

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and dampness; improves eyesight; relieves itching. Mainly used for red and white vaginal discharge; red and swollen eyes; itchy urticaria

【Discussions by Various Scholars】 On the fact that Sedum is not a product that can make you immortal Miao Xiyong: "(Sedum) flowers have the same functions as described in the Classics, but they are very bitter and cold medicines. They are said to make you light and brighten your eyes, and make you immortal, but you should not try it." ("Compendium of Materia Medica")

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

It can be seen that the medicinal value of Sedum is still very obvious. However, not everyone can use Sedum. We can judge based on our own physical condition.