The efficacy and function of the large-bract parasite

The large-bracted parasite is a medicinal material that can treat many diseases. If consumed scientifically and healthily, it can bring great benefits to our physical health and disease treatment. Now let’s take a closer look at the effects and eating methods of the large-bract parasite.

[Other names] Elm parasite, citrus parasite, wild pear tree parasite, tea oil parasite, pig bran wood parasite, persimmon tree parasite, tung oil parasite

[Source] Medicinal material source: The leafy stems and branches of the plants of the Loranthaceae family and the Glechoma longituba.

【Original form】 1. Shrub, 0.5-1m high. Young branches and leaves are densely covered with yellow-brown or rusty star-shaped hairs, which fall off later; the branches are scattered, light black and smooth. Leaves are alternate or nearly opposite, or clustered in 3-4 on short branches, thin leathery; petiole 2-7mm long; leaf blade oblong or oblong, 2.5-7cm long, 1-3cm wide, apex acute or obtuse, base cuneate or obtuse. Inflorescences are densely clustered, 1-3 in number, born in the axils of fallen leaves of branches or in the axils, with 3-5 flowers; peduncle 7-11mm long, pedicel about 1mm long; bracts oblong, light red, 12-22mm long, 7-11mm wide, acuminate at the apex, base obtuse or shallowly cordate, with 3-7 straight veins, laterally papery; flowers red or orange; receptacle ovoid, about 2mm long, covered with yellow-brown or rusty hairs; epicalyx cup-shaped, about 1mm long, with 5 shallow teeth; corolla 2-2.8cm long, with sparse stellate hairs, the upper half of the corolla tube swollen, with 5 longitudinal ridges, with transverse wrinkles between the longitudinal ridges, lobes narrowly oblong, 6-8mm long, reflexed; stamens 5, berry elliptic, 8-10mm long, about 6mm in diameter, yellow, with stellate hairs, persistent epicalyx about 1mm long. The flowering period is from April to July, and the fruiting period is from August to October.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: 1. The large-bract parasite grows in evergreen broad-leaved forests in mountains, valleys or streams at an altitude of 150-900 (-1200) m. It parasitizes on plants such as Camellia oleifera, Loropetalum chinensis, Persimmon, Lagerstroemia indica or Rhododendron, Elaeocarpus, and Ilex.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; sweet; slightly warm

【Functions and indications】Nourishes the liver and kidneys; strengthens the tendons and bones; dispels wind and dampness. Mainly used for dizziness, back pain, knee pain, rheumatism and numbness

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 15-30g.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

After understanding some of the effects and common knowledge of the large-bracted parasite, I hope that everyone will use scientific methods in the process of consumption to make it play a greater role.