The efficacy and function of stair grass

The Chinese medicinal herb Stir-fried Grass is already very familiar to most people. But in fact, not many people know the effects and functions of the Chinese medicinal herb Stir-fried Grass, so let’s talk about it below.

[Other names] Fine water hemp leaves, stone edge picking, red car messenger, half mountain, half umbrella, to old and tender, cold grass, cold water grass, dragon holding pearls, ladder to heaven, seahorse holding pearls, water sesame leaves, startling grass, large umbrella flower ladder grass, jujube seven

[Source] Medicinal material source: the whole herb of the Urticaceae plant Stinging Grass.

[Original form] Perennial herb. The stem is 25-60cm tall, glabrous, with sparse soft hairs on the upper part. Leaves are sessile or nearly sessile; stipules are narrowly triangular; leaf blades are herbaceous, obliquely oblanceolate or obliquely oblong, 4.5-16cm long, 2-4.5cm wide, apex acuminate, base cuneate on the narrow side, figural or shallow cordate on the broad side, margin dentate, with a few short rough hairs above, glabrous below or with short hairs along the veins; leaf veins are pinnate, with 5-8 lateral veins on each side. Monoecious or dioecious; male inflorescence stalked; receptacle inconspicuous, rarely conspicuous, surrounded by a few narrow ovate bracts; bracteoles linear; 5 tepals of male flowers; female inflorescence with very short stalks; receptacle usually very small, surrounded by ovate bracts, with many densely packed female flowers in the middle. Achenes ovate, with a few inconspicuous longitudinal ribs. The flowering period is April-May, and the fruiting period is September-November.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Growing on rocks beside valleys, in forests or in thickets at an altitude of 200-2000m.

【Properties】Properties identification: The stem length is about 40cm. The leaves are wrinkled, obliquely oblong when flattened, with a sharp, tail-like tip, an oblique, semicircular base, and coarse serrations above the middle of the edge. The cymes are often in heads; male flowers are clustered with 1-10 flowers and have stalks; female flowers are clustered with 8-12 flowers and are sessile. Achenes are ovate and small. It has a faint smell and a slightly bitter taste.

【Nature and flavor】 Slightly bitter; slightly cold

【Meridian】 Large intestine; Liver; Spleen

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and detoxifies; dispels wind and dampness; promotes diuresis and reduces swelling; promotes blood circulation and relieves pain. It is used to treat dysentery, high fever and convulsions, jaundice, rheumatic pain, edema, stranguria, amenorrhea, sores, mumps, herpes zoster, snake bites, traumatic injuries, and fractures.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 6-9g. For external use: appropriate amount, crush the fresh product and apply; or crush it and rub it with wine.

[Discussions by various scholars] "Xinhua Compendium of Materia Medica": The whole herb tastes slightly bitter and is neutral in nature. It has the functions of clearing away heat and dampness, promoting blood circulation and dispersing blood stasis. It is used for dysentery, rheumatism, jaundice, edema, carbuncle, swelling and bone fracture.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The above describes some ways to eat stair grass. Although many medicinal herbs can be eaten, we must remind everyone that Chinese medicines generally cannot be taken indiscriminately and should be used according to your own situation.