The efficacy and function of Hu Lian

As we all know, Hu Lian is a very common medicinal material with many years of history. It can also treat many diseases. Let us learn about the medicinal value of Hu Lian.

[Other names] Dog tooth shell, sharp fritillary, wine mother seven, Taibai sharp shell

[Source] Medicinal material source: The bulb of the lily of the valley plant of the Liliaceae family.

[Original morphology] Tibet's pit-petal flower is a perennial herb. The bulb is narrow and oval, like a scallion, covered with light brown scales on the outside and densely covered with fibrous roots at the bottom. Basal leaves are erect, linear, approximately equal to or slightly longer than the scape, and 1.5-2.5mm wide; there are 2-3 scape leaves, which gradually transition upwards into bracts, which are short and narrow. The flowers are 15-30cm high, with 1-5 flowers, growing in a dichotomous cyme at the top; 6 tepals, oblong to obovate-elliptical, 15-19mm long, apricot yellow to brownish yellow at the bottom, light yellow on the upper edge, with 2 rows of fine soft hairs at the base inside; 6 stamens, filaments 6-9mm long, 2/3-4/5 parts densely covered with soft hairs, the hairs are sparse, anthers oblong, 2.5-4mm long; ovary about 5mm long, style 5-7mm long, stigma nearly capitate, slightly 3-lobed. The capsule is oblong, 1.5-1.8cm long, and the seeds are irregularly oblong, flat on both sides, about 3.5mm long, with a narrow wing at one end. Flowering period is from May to July.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Growing in wet grasslands beside forests on high mountain slopes or in crevices of rocks on mountain ridges at an altitude of 2300-4000m.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; sweet; slightly cold

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and resolves phlegm; detoxifies and reduces swelling; stops bleeding. Mainly used for lung heat, cough and asthma; yellow and thick sputum; sores, carbuncle, swelling and pain; trauma and bleeding

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 6-15g. For external use: take appropriate amount and mash it for application.

【Note】 Shaanxi Chinese Herbal Medicine: "Anti-Aconitum."

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Everyone should know about the medicinal value of Hu Lian, so you can be more targeted when consuming it. More reasonable use of the medicine can better treat some common diseases.