The efficacy and function of Wulingshen

Wuling ginseng is a traditional Chinese medicinal material with a very wide range of functions. We can use Wuling ginseng in many places. Wuling ginseng also plays a very important role in the treatment and relief of many diseases. Now let us learn about Wuling ginseng.

[Other names] Wuling ginseng, Leizhenzi, Wuli ginseng, chicken (earth) egg, charcoal stick, chicken tuckahoe

[Source] Medicinal material source: The sclerotium of Xylaria nigrostellata, a fungus of the Xylariaceae family.

[Original morphology] The mycelium is white, 8-14μm in diameter, interwoven into a network, and densely distributed in the abandoned black-winged termite fungus cavity. When mature, some hyphae aggregate to form sclerotia. The sclerotium is spherical, ellipsoidal or oval, so it is called "chicken egg". The appearance is brown or black, with a diameter of 1.5-8cm, and there is a round depression at the connection with the hyphae. After the sclerotium grows, it gradually separates from the hyphae and becomes "navel" shaped. The inside of the sclerotium is white, soft and has an aroma similar to that of chicken (earth mushroom). Tastes sweet. The upper end of the sclerotium has a stalk hanging on the upper wall of the termite hole and is connected to the rhizoid. The rhizoid is cylindrical or oblate, 2-3mm in diameter, black on the outside and white on the inside, often branched, growing in a zigzag pattern in the soil. It is connected to the stalk of the stroma, which is scattered or grouped on the ground, mostly single-branched, occasionally branching from the stalk, round in shape, 4-18cm high including the stalk, 1-6cm long, 2-5mm in diameter, black on the outside, grayish white on the inside, and black in the center. The stroma is club-shaped, 3-12 cm long, 2.5-7 mm in diameter, slightly thicker in the middle, with a blunt apex. It is grayish white when first born and then turns brown. The ascoperion has warty protrusions on the surface. The ascoperion is oval and buried in the outer layer of the stroma. The ascoperion protrudes outward, with a black warty opening. There are many ascospores, which are spherical and dark brown when mature. The lateral threads are single or branched.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in the deeper soil layers of warm hillsides or in the mushroom cavities abandoned by soil-dwelling termites on riverbank slopes.

[Properties] 1. Identification of properties: The sclerotium is spherical, elliptical or oval, occasionally flat, 4-10cm long, 1-7cm in diameter, dark brown or black in surface, slightly shiny, and covered with irregular fine wrinkles. There is a round depression at one end, shaped like a "belly button", and a protruding pedicle at the other end, the top of which is often cracked like a bird's beak. The body is relatively solid, not easy to break, the broken surface is uneven, white or yellowish white, fine in texture and slightly soft. Occasionally, the skin is rough, the body is light, loose, or dry and hollow. It has a unique aroma and tastes sweet.

【Chemical composition】 Contains polysaccharides, proteins, and trace elements such as iron, manganese and tin.

【Nature and flavor】 sweet; neutral; non-toxic

【Meridian】 Heart; Liver; Stomach; Bladder

【Functions and indications】Calming the nerves; stopping bleeding; lowering blood pressure. Insomnia; palpitations; vomiting blood; epistaxis; hypertension; burns

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 3-10g. For external use: take appropriate amount, grind into powder, mix with sesame oil and apply on the affected area.

【Note】 Sichuan Traditional Chinese Medicine Annals, 1960 edition: "Pregnant women should avoid using this product."

[Additional prescription] This product is named for its black color, ginseng-like qi-replenishing effect and its effective efficacy. According to folklore, this thing is the egg-shaped sclerotium in the nest of chicken mushroom, so it is called chicken egg. "Guanxian County Chronicles" states: "It is solid and suspended in the air in a cave. When thunder strikes, it will rotate, so it is called Lei Zhenzi."

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The effects and functions of Wuling ginseng have been described in detail above, and I believe everyone has a certain understanding of it. Whether Wuling ginseng has other therapeutic effects still requires further research.