The efficacy and function of cassava

The development of Western medicine has brought some crises to traditional Chinese medicine. But traditional Chinese medicine still has many magical aspects. Let’s talk about the effects and functions of cassava, a traditional Chinese medicine.

【English name】 manihot utilissima

[Alias] Cassava, potato tree, stinky potato, kudzu potato, tree sweet potato.

[Source] Medicinal material source: the leaves or roots of cassava, a plant of the Euphorbiaceae family.

[Original form] Cassava is an upright subshrub, 1.5-3m high. The tuber is cylindrical and fleshy. Leaves are alternate; petiole is about 30cm long; leaves are 3-7 deeply palmately divided or completely divided, lobes are lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, 10-20cm long, and entire. The panicle is terminal; the flowers are unisexual and monoecious; the calyx is bell-shaped, 5-lobed, yellow-white with purple; there are no petals; there are 5 glands on the disk; the male flowers have 10 stamens in 2 whorls; the female flowers have 3-chambered ovaries, 3 styles, and the lower part is fused. The capsule is oval, 1.5 cm long, with 6 longitudinal ridges. The flowering period is from April to July, and the fruiting period is from July to October.

【Habitat distribution】Ecological environment: Grown in tropical regions.

[Properties] Identification of properties: Leaves are alternate, 10-20 cm long, palmately 3-7 deeply lobed or completely lobed, the lobes are lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, entire, acuminate; petiole is about 30 cm long. It has a faint smell and tastes bitter and astringent.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; Cold; Slightly toxic

【Meridian】 Heart meridian

【Functions and indications】Detoxification and swelling reduction. Mainly used for sores, swelling and infection; scabies

【Usage and Dosage】 For external use: appropriate amount, crush the fresh product and apply it.

【Note】 This product is for external use only and not for internal use.

[Discussions by various scholars] "Xinhua Compendium of Materia Medica": The leaves are used as medicine to remove toxins and reduce swelling. Used for acne and ringworm.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The medicinal value of cassava introduced in the article is of great help to our lives. In fact, many physical illnesses can be treated with some Chinese medicinal materials such as cassava. The profound Chinese medicine culture should continue to be passed on.