The efficacy and function of thick-leaved Sichuan costusroot

There are so many medicinal herbs in the world, and it is inevitable that there are some that we are not familiar with. But as long as we have the spirit of learning throughout our lives, I believe we can slowly learn more medical herbs. So do you know about the medicinal herb Thick-leaved Costusroot?

【English name】 Thick-leaved Dolomiaea Root

[Other names] Aromatic wood, wood fragrance

[Source] It is the root of Dolomiaea be-rardioidea (Franch.) Shih, a plant of the Asteraceae family. Dig up in autumn and winter, wash and dry.

[Original form] Perennial herb, almost stemless. Root cylindrical. The leaves are basal, rosette-shaped, thick in texture, broadly oval, broadly elliptical to round, oblate, 7-16cm long, 6-13cm wide, rounded at the apex, truncated at the base, with slightly wavy edges or serrated teeth, short spikes at the tooth ends or sparse short spikes on the edges, the leaves are rough, covered with dense short rough hairs on both sides, and have petioles of varying lengths. The inflorescence is solitary in a rosette of leaves at the base of the stem. The involucre is bell-shaped, with a diameter of about 5 cm; there are about 5 layers of bracts, the outer layer is elliptical, oblong, and the inner layer is lanceolate. The bracts are leathery with sparse ciliates on the edges. The flowers are all tubular and purple-red. Achenes are flat triangular; pappus are multi-layered and all erect. The flowering period is from July to August, and the fruiting period is from August to September.

[Habitat distribution] It grows in alpine grasslands or bushes at an altitude of 2800-3000m. Produced in Lijiang, Yunnan.

[Properties] The root is cylindrical or semi-cylindrical with longitudinal grooves, cut into segments about 10 cm long, with a diameter of 0.4 to 2.5 cm. The surface is earthy yellow, yellowish yellow or grayish gray, the outer skin is easy to fall off, and the surface has longitudinal wrinkles. It is hard and brittle, easy to break, has a flat cross section, and often has an eccentric structure. The entire cross section has a fan-shaped radial texture. It has a fragrant aroma, a sweet and slightly spicy taste, and a slight sting on the tongue. It is warm in nature, spicy and bitter in taste.

[Chemical composition] Contains volatile oil, which contains dehydrocostus lactone, monotaxene, etc.

【Functions and indications】 Soothes the liver and regulates qi, strengthens the stomach and relieves pain. Used for chronic gastroenteritis, indigestion, and bronchitis.

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

The medicinal value of thick-leaved Sichuan costus root introduced in the article is of great help to our lives. In fact, many physical illnesses can be treated with some Chinese medicinal materials such as thick-leaved Sichuan costusroot. The profound Chinese medicine culture should continue to be passed on.