The efficacy and function of Silengtong

Silengtong is a medicinal material that is quite common in life. We can consume Silengtong appropriately. Since many people don’t know much about Silengtong, let’s take a look at it below.

[Other names] Uncaria rhynchophylla, Shuangjunteng, Datongqi, Hanging Golden Hook, Vietnamese Uncaria rhynchophylla, Four-angle Tong

[Source] Medicinal material source: The root of Uncaria rhynchophylla of the Rubiaceae family.

[Original form] Uncaria rhynchophylla, a climbing shrub. The stem is quadrangular, brown, and covered with short hairs. The modified branches (inflorescence stalks) are hooked, opposite to each other in the leaf axils, with pointed and downward-curved apexes, and broad bases with longitudinal grooves. Simple leaves are opposite; petiole is about 1cm long; leaf blade is broadly ovate, gradually pointed at the apex, rounded at the base, with wavy or entire margins, and sparsely covered with white short hairs on both sides. The inflorescence head is spherical, growing in the leaf axils, and the small flowers are green-white. Capsule obovate, elliptical.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in the shade and wet places beside streams in tropical jungles.

【Nature and flavor】 Astringent; sweet; slightly cold

【Functions and indications】 Expel wind and dredge meridians; soothe the liver and calm the nerves. Mainly used for rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, traumatic injury, fracture, traumatic bleeding, hypertension, migraine, infantile convulsion, and rectal prolapse

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 10-15g; or soak in wine. For external use: take appropriate amount and mash it for application.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The above describes some ways to eat Silengtong. 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.