The efficacy and function of dragon head grass

Many people choose dragon head grass because of its high-value pharmacological effects, but be careful not to eat it casually, otherwise it will have some bad effects on the body. We need to understand it before eating it. Are you ready?

【Other name】 Carp grass

[Source] Medicinal material source: the roots or leaves of the Lamiaceae plant Dragon Jelly .

[Original form] Dragon Head Grass, perennial herb, 30-60cm tall. The stem is erect, quadrangular, and the young branches are sparsely pubescent. The leaves are opposite, with petioles less than 10 cm long, gradually shortening upwards or almost sessile; the leaf blade is cordate or ovate, 4-13 cm long, 1.8-4 cm wide, gradually pointed at the apex, cordate at the base, with wavy serrations on the edge, and sparsely pubescent on the surface. The inflorescence is axillary and terminal, with branches or only one flower. The pseudoracemes are axillary and 6-9cm long. The bracts are awl-shaped and about 1mm long. The calyx is 1-1.3cm long, with a longer upper lip and 3 teeth, and a lower lip with 2 teeth. The teeth are all triangular and ciliate. The corolla is light reddish purple or lavender, 2.3-3.7cm long, sparsely pubescent on the outside, the upper lip is slightly concave at the tip, and the lower lip is 3-lobed, with the middle lobe larger, slightly concave at the tip, and long soft hairs on the inside. There are 4 stamens that do not extend out of the corolla, and the anthers are 2-chambered and pubescent. The ovary is 4-lobed and pubescent, the style slightly extends out of the corolla, and the stigma is 2-lobed. The disk is cup-shaped and finger-like inflated in front. The nutlets are oblong and densely covered with short soft hairs. The flowering period is September, and the fruiting period is October-November.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown under evergreen forests or mixed evergreen and deciduous forests in low altitude areas.

【Nature and flavor】 Sweet; spicy; neutral

【Functions and indications】Replenishing Qi and blood; removing rheumatism; reducing swelling and toxins. Mainly used for fatigue, qi and blood deficiency, abdominal pain, sore throat, snake bites

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 3-9g; or soaked in wine. For external use: take appropriate amount and mash it for application.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Dragon head grass is a medicinal material that has existed for a long time. It is recorded in many Chinese medicine books, which shows that dragon head grass does have good medicinal value.