The efficacy and function of willow herb root

As a traditional Chinese medicine, willowherb root has great medicinal value and can treat many diseases. Let’s take a closer look at it below.

【English name】 Epilobium hirsutum L.

[Source] Medicinal material source: The root of the Onagraceae plant.

[Original form] Perennial herb, about 1m tall. The stems are densely covered with spreading white long soft hairs and short pubescent hairs. The lower leaves are opposite, and the upper leaves are alternate; sessile, with extended leaves, slightly clasping the stem, and covered with soft hairs on both sides; the leaf blade is oblong-lanceolate to lanceolate, 4-13cm long, 7-17mm wide, cuneate at the base, and with fine teeth on the margin. The flowers are bisexual, solitary in the leaf axils, light purple, 1-1.2 cm long; the calyx tube is cylindrical, with 4 lobes, 7-9 mm long, and hairy on the outside; there are 4 petals, broadly obovate, 1-1.2 cm long, 5-8 mm wide, with a concave tip and 2 lobes; there are 8 stamens, 4 long and 4 short; the ovary is inferior and the stigma is 4-lobed, short rod-shaped to rod-shaped. The capsule is cylindrical, with 4 edges, 4 cracks, 4-7cm long, covered with long soft hairs and short glandular hairs; the fruit stalk is 0.5-2cm long, densely covered with small papillae. The seeds are oval, brown, with a tuft of white seeds at the tip. Flowering period is from April to November.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; Cool

【Meridian】 Liver and stomach meridians

【Functions and indications】 Dispel wind and clear heat; detoxify and relieve sore throat; relieve cough; and promote diuresis. It is used for colds caused by wind and heat; hoarseness; sore throat; cough caused by lung heat; edema; painful stranguria; diarrhea caused by damp heat; rheumatic arthralgia; sores and carbuncle; poisonous insect bites

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 6-15g. Decoction in water.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Through the above, we have learned about the effects and functions of the Chinese medicine willow herb root. I hope everyone can prescribe the right medicine and eat willow herb root correctly in life.