The efficacy and function of Hezhangxiao

Traditional Chinese medicine is very effective in treating some special diseases, but we still need to understand it before taking it. Today we will talk about some common knowledge about the medicinal material Hezhangxiao.

[Other names] Tudancao (Experimental Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine), Gasshocae, Shenxianduizucao (Hunan Materia Medica), Scleroderma, Hetongxiao (Jiangxi Herbal Medicine).

[Source] It is the root or whole herb of the Gassho-xiao plant of the Apocynaceae family .

[Original form] Perennial upright herb, about 50 cm tall, smooth and hairless, with green-white stems and leaves. The leaves are opposite and sessile; obovate-oblong, 3-6 cm long, 1-3 cm wide, with short pointed tips, slightly narrow base, slightly decurrent on both sides, short ear-shaped and clasping the stem; veins are obvious on the back. Inflorescence is axillary; flowers are small, yellow-green; calyx is 5-lobed; corolla is radiate, 5-lobed, hairy on the inside; corona is 5, with fleshy pieces shorter than anthers; stamens are 5, inserted at the base of the corolla, filaments are connected in a tubular shape; pistil consists of 2 carpels. The follicles are cylindrical and narrowly lanceolate, about 6 cm long, narrow at the base and gradually pointed at the top. Flowering period is from August to September.

【Habitat distribution】Grows on hillsides or wastelands. Distributed in Jiangsu, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangxi, Hunan and other places.

[Properties and flavors] "Hunan Pharmacopoeia": "slightly bitter, neutral, non-toxic."

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat, eliminates rheumatism, reduces swelling and detoxifies. Treat acute gastroenteritis, acute hepatitis, rheumatism, migraine, bloody stool, carbuncle, and eczema.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 0.5-1 liang; or steam with eggs and lean pork. For external use: mash and apply or grind into powder and apply.

[Additional prescription] ①For the treatment of acute gastroenteritis: 50 cents to 1 ounce of fresh Hezhangxiao root. Mash it and add a bowl of cold boiled water to drink the juice.

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From "Illustrated Catalogue of Plant Names and Realities": Hezhangxiao, found on the hillsides of Jiangxi Province. The single stem is crisp and tender like sedum. The leaves are square in shape and pointed at the end, with sparse lines. They are green on the front and bluish-white on the back. They grow in clusters attached to the stems, embracing each other on all four sides like clasping hands, hence the name. In autumn, the branches become thin, and small purple flowers bloom with five petals, a green center, and seeds as numerous as poppy grains. The roots have white juice and a foul smell.

The above is a detailed introduction to the traditional Chinese medicine Hezhangxiao. We can take it according to our own needs. I believe there will be improvement after a period of time. It is indeed a good choice.