The efficacy and function of Arrow Shaft Seven

The world is full of wonders, and Chinese medicinal materials are also varied and bizarre. Here I would like to introduce to you a Chinese medicinal material, Arrow Seven.

[Other names] Grass parasite, horizontal cup grass

[Source] Medicinal material source: the whole herb of Zizyphus chinensis, a plant of the Orobanchaceae family.

[Original form] Chinese wild foxtail millet is an annual parasitic herb, 15-30cm tall. The whole plant is hairless. The stem is branched below the middle, purple-brown or lavender, and 6-7cm long. Leaves are sparsely distributed near the base of the stem; leaf blades are ovate-lanceolate or lanceolate, 6-8mm long and 3-4mm wide. The flowers are large, purple-red, solitary at the end of the stem; the pedicels are purple-red, erect, with obvious stripes; the calyx is spathe-shaped, boat-shaped, 4.5-5cm long, split on one side to 1.5-2cm from the base, and the tip is obtuse; the corolla is nearly lip-shaped, red-purple, or sometimes white at the bottom and red-purple at the top, 5.5-6cm long, with 5 shallow lobes at the tip, the lobes are round and nearly fan-shaped, about 8mm long, 1-1.2cm wide, and have small teeth on the edges; there are 4 stamens, the filaments are slender, and they are born near the base of the corolla tube. The anthers are developed in only one chamber, and the base of the connective of the lower pair of stamens is extended into a spur; the base of the connective of the ovary stamen is extended into a spur; the ovary is one-chambered, the style is thick, and the stigma is fleshy and shield-shaped. The capsule is oblong-conical or conical, 2-2.5 cm long and about 1.5 cm in diameter, splitting into two lobes when mature. Seeds numerous, small, nearly round. The flowering period is from April to June, and the fruiting period is from June to August.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: It often parasitizes on the roots of grass plants at an altitude of 800-920m.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; Cool

【Functions and indications】Dispel wind and dampness; detoxify. Mainly used for rheumatic pain, osteomyelitis, sore throat, urinary tract infection, furuncle, and snake bites

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 9-15g; or mash the juice and gargle. For external use: take appropriate amount, mash and apply; or soak in sesame oil and apply.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The utilization rate of Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae in traditional Chinese medicine is still very high, and it can be used to treat a variety of diseases. We should consume it after fully understanding the effects and functions of Arrowhead Seven. I hope everyone doesn’t eat carelessly.