The efficacy and function of croton

What are the functions of croton? As a traditional Chinese medicine, croton can not only be used to treat diseases, but also can be combined with some other medicinal materials to make medicinal food, which has a very good effect on regulating the human body. Today we will introduce croton.

【English name】 FRUCTUS CROTONIS

[Other names] Double-eyed dragon, large-leaf double-eyed dragon, Jiangzi, Mengzi tree, Babaili, Mangzi

[Source] This product is Croton tiglium L, a plant of the Euphorbiaceae family. The dried mature fruits , roots and leaves are also used for medicinal purposes. The fruits are harvested in autumn when they are ripe, piled up for 2 to 3 days, spread out and dried. The roots and leaves can be harvested throughout the year. The roots are sliced ​​and the leaves are dried for later use.

[Properties] This product is oval in shape, generally with three edges, 1.8 to 2.2 cm long and 1.4 to 2 cm in diameter. The surface is grayish yellow or slightly darker, rough, with 6 longitudinal lines, flat top, and pedicel scar at the base. When the shell is broken open, three chambers can be seen, each containing one seed. The seeds are slightly flattened oval, 1.2-1.5 cm long and 0.7-0.9 cm in diameter. The surface is brown or gray-brown, with a small dot-like hilum and caruncle scar at one end, and a slightly concave chalaza at the other end, with a raised ridge in between; the outer seed coat is thin and brittle, and the inner seed coat is a white film; the kernel is yellowish white and oily. Odorless, spicy taste.

[Identification] Take about 0.5g of this product, grind it, add 10ml of ether, soak it for 2 hours, and shake it from time to time. Filter it, put the filtrate in a test tube to evaporate, add 0.5ml of saturated methanol solution of hydroxylamine hydrochloride and 1 drop of thymolphthalein indicator solution, then add saturated methanol solution of potassium hydroxide until it turns blue, then add 4 more drops, heat to boiling, cool, add dilute hydrochloric acid to adjust the pH to 2-3, add 3 drops of ferric chloride test solution and 1ml of chloroform, shake, and the upper solution turns purple-red.

[Preparation] Raw croton: remove the skin and take out the kernel.

【Nature and flavor】Seeds: spicy, hot, highly toxic. Roots and leaves: spicy and warm. poisonous.

[entry into meridians] Seeds: enter the stomach and large intestine meridians.

【Functions and indications】 Seeds: have a laxative effect, remove stagnation, expel water and reduce swelling. Used for cold stagnation, chest and abdominal distension; used externally to treat blisters. Used for ulcers, scabies, warts, moles, diphtheria, malaria, and intestinal obstruction. Root: warms the middle and dispels cold, removes wind and activates blood circulation. Used for rheumatoid arthritis, swelling and pain from falls, and snake bites. Leaves: Used externally to treat frostbite, and can kill mosquito larvae and maggots.

[Usage and Dosage] Seeds: 0.5-1 fen. For oral use, remove the seed coat and squeeze out the oil, and make it into pills or powders. For external use, grind an appropriate amount into powder and apply to the affected area, or mash it and wrap it with gauze to rub the affected area. Root: 1 to 3 cents. Apply appropriate amount of leaves externally and boil them in water to wash the affected area.

【Note】 It is forbidden to use during pregnancy; it should not be used together with Pharbitis chinensis.

【Storage】Keep in a cool and dry place.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Pharmacopoeia

[Source] "Ben Jing"

The above introduces some basic knowledge about croton. I believe many people will know more about croton after reading it. There are many other medicinal herbs that we often come into contact with in our daily lives. If you have time, you might as well learn more about them.