The efficacy and function of Litsea cubeba leaves

Litsea cubeba leaves are a commonly used medicinal material in traditional Chinese medicine and are often used to treat various diseases. So today I will share with you some information about Litsea cubeba leaves.

[Source] Medicinal material source: The leaves of Litsea cubeba of the Lauraceae family.

[Original form] Litsea cubeba is a deciduous shrub or small tree, up to 10m in height. The leaves and fruits are aromatic. The roots are conical and grayish white; the bark of young trees is yellowish green and smooth, while the bark of old trees is grayish brown. Leaf buds without scales; young branches slender, silky. The leaves are membranous and alternate; the petioles are slender, 1-2 cm long; the leaf blades are lanceolate or oblong, 4-11 cm long, 1.2-2.5 cm wide, gradually pointed at the apex, cuneate at the base, entire, dark green above, pale green below, glabrous on both sides, with pinnate veins, 6-10 lateral veins on each side, slender, and the midrib and lateral veins are raised on both sides. Flowers bloom before leaves, dioecious; umbels solitary or clustered, peduncle slender, 5-10mm long, 4 bracts with 4-6 small flowers, light yellow; tepals 6, obovate; 9 fertile stamens arranged in 3 whorls, glands at the base of the 3rd whorl with short stalks. The female flowers have many reduced stamens, an ovate ovary, a short style, and a capitate stigma. The berry-like drupe is nearly spherical, 4-5mm in diameter, glabrous, green when young, and black when ripe; the fruit stalk is 2-4mm long. The flowering period is from February to April, and the fruiting period is from June to August.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown on sunny slopes, hills, forest edge thickets or sparse woods.

【Properties】 Identification: The leaves are lanceolate or oblong and easily broken. The surface is brown or brown-green, 4-10cm long, 1-2.5cm wide, with acuminate apex, cuneate base, entire margin, obvious pinnate veins, slightly raised on the lower surface. The texture is relatively brittle. It has a fragrant aroma and a spicy and cool taste.

[Chemical composition] The leaves contain only 0.006% volatile oil, mainly cineole, caryophyllene, bornyl acetate, limonene, γ-elemene, geranyl acetate, etc.

【Nature and flavor】 Pungent; slightly bitter; warm

【Functions and indications】Regulating Qi and dispersing stagnation; detoxifying and relieving swelling; stopping bleeding. Mainly used for carbuncle, swelling and pain; mastitis; snake and insect bites; traumatic bleeding; foot swelling; chronic tracheitis

[Usage and Dosage] For external use: appropriate amount, crush the fresh leaves and apply; or boil in warm water and wash the whole body.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Through the detailed introduction of the leaves of Litsea cubeba, I believe everyone has a certain understanding and can better improve our common sense of life.