The efficacy and function of ramie stems

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

[Source] Medicinal material source: the stems or young stems with leaves of Ramie, a plant of the Urticaceae family.

[Original form] Perennial semi-shrub, 1-2m high. The stem is erect, cylindrical, much-branched, bluish-brown, and densely covered with long, coarse hairs. Leaves are alternate; petiole 2-11cm long; stipules 2, separate, early falling; leaf blade broadly ovate or ovate, 7-15cm long, 6-12cm wide, apex acuminate or nearly caudate, base broadly cuneate or truncate, margin densely serrated, green, rough, and scattered with sparse hairs above, densely interwoven white soft hairs below, with 3 basal veins. Flowers are unisexual, and male and female flowers are usually on the same plant; inflorescences are conical, axillary, 5-10 cm long, and male inflorescences are usually located below female inflorescences; male flowers are small, pedunculate, yellow-white, with 4 tepals, 4 stamens, and reduced pistils; female flowers are light green, spherical, about 2 mm in diameter, with tubular perianth, persistent, and 1 style. Achenes are small, oval, densely covered with short hairs, wrapped by persistent perianth, and containing one seed. The flowering period is September and the fruiting period is October.

[Habitat distribution] It is widely cultivated in Henan, Shandong and areas south of Shaanxi in my country, and it also grows wild.

[Properties] Identification of properties: The stem is cylindrical, with coarse hairs, light and tough, the bark is easy to tear longitudinally, tough enough, the cross section is light yellow, and the center is the pith; the leaves are opposite, the leaf blades are mostly wrinkled or broken, the edges are green, and the intact ones are broadly ovate when flattened, up to 15cm long and 5-10cm wide, with a gradually pointed tip, a nearly rounded or broadly cuneate base, and coarse teeth on the edges. There are three basal veins, the back of the leaf is slightly raised, and both sides are hairy. The petiole is long, up to 7cm long. It has a faint smell and tastes slightly spicy and bitter.

【Nature and flavor】 Sweet; slightly cold

【Functions and indications】Disperse blood stasis and detoxify. Mainly used for wounds, fractures, pox, carbuncle, erysipelas

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 6-15g; or made into pills or powder. For external use: take appropriate amount, grind into powder and apply on the affected area; or mash fresh product and apply on the affected area.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Having said so much, we can see that ramie stalks have many uses. It can also be used as medicine to treat diseases. You might as well know more about these, it will be helpful in your life.