The efficacy and function of Qi-jiecao

I believe many people are familiar with the Chinese medicinal herb Jieqicao. As a common Chinese medicinal herb, Jieqicao is rich in nutrients. Let us learn about it in detail below.

[Alias] Zhaoye Asarum, Matixiang, Maowujin, Wujinqi, Hualian Asarum.

[Source] Medicinal material source: the whole herb of Asarum brachyura of the Aristolochiaceae family.

[Original morphology] Asarum short-tailed is a perennial herb. The rhizome is horizontal, about 4mm thick, with very long internodes. Above-ground stems ascend obliquely. Leaves are opposite; petiole is 4-18cm long; bud leaf is broadly ovate; leaf blade is cordate, 3-7cm long, 4-10cm wide, apex acuminate or long acuminate, base cordate, dark green above, with scattered soft hairs, denser above the veins, hairs only on the veins below, and both sides of the leaf margin often bend inward in the middle. The perianth is fused above the ovary into a short tube about 1 cm in diameter, with triangular-ovate lobes, covered with long soft hairs, and often with a short pointed tail at the tip, 3-4 mm long, usually curved inwards; the stamens are longer than the style, the filaments are slightly longer than the anthers, and the connective extends out into a pointed tongue; the ovary is inferior, nearly spherical, covered with long soft hairs, and the tip of the style is radially 6-lobed. The capsule is fleshy, about 1.5 cm in diameter. Flowering period is April-May.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in the shade and wet places in mountain forests at an altitude of 1600-2100m.

[Properties] Identification of properties: The rhizome is relatively straight, 4.5-7cm long and about 5mm in diameter; the surface is brown-yellow, the internodes are very long, and the wrinkles are fine. It is brittle and easy to break. The cross section is triangular or semicircular. The bark is brown and the wood is light brown. Lots of slender. The leaves are heart-shaped, with the edges often bending inward in the middle, with scattered soft hairs on the upper side and hairs on the veins on the lower side. It has a fragrant aroma, spicy taste, and a slight numbing sensation on the tongue.

【Chemical composition】 The whole herb (dry product) of Asarum short-tailed from Sichuan contains 1.1% volatile oil, which includes the following components: α-pinene, camphene, β-pinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, p-cymene, γ-terpinene, terpinolene, linalool, trans-pinocarveol, borneol, terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol, myrtenol, naphthalene, myrtenal, safrole, methyl eugenol, myristicin and elemicin.

【Nature and flavor】 Pungent; bitter; warm

【Meridian】 Lung; Stomach meridian

【Functions and indications】 Dispel wind and cold; warm the lungs and resolve phlegm; relieve pain. It is mainly used for headache due to wind and cold; cough and asthma due to phlegm and fluid; stomach cold pain; abdominal pain; toothache; rheumatic pain; traumatic injury

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 1-3g.

[Note] People with Yin deficiency and Yang hyperactivity should take it with caution. Pregnant women should not take it.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Nowadays, people's life pressure is constantly increasing, which makes our bodies often in a state of fatigue. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Jieqicao has a certain regulating effect on the body. I hope it will be helpful to everyone.