The efficacy and function of Camellia thorn root bark

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

[Source] Medicinal material source: The root bark of Maytenus variabilis (Loes.) CYCheng, a plant of the Celastraceae family.

[Original form] A thorny tea shrub, up to 3m tall. 1-2 years old. Branchlets are spiny. The petiole is 5-10mm long; the leaf blade is narrowly elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate, 3-8cm long, 1-3.5cm wide, with obtuse or rounded tip and finely serrated edges. The cymes are axillary, with a peduncle about 1 cm long, dichotomously branched at the apex, each with a one- to two-branched cyme; the flowers are yellow-white, up to 5 mm in diameter, and 5-merous; the disk is slightly thick; the stamens are attached under the disk; the ovary is 3-chambered, the style is short, and the stigma is 3-lobed. The capsule is purple-brown, inverted conical, 1-1.5cm in diameter, and the fruit stalk is about 1cm long. There are 1-2 seeds in each locule, which are purple-brown with a tiny aril at the base.

【Habitat distribution】Ecological environment: grows on hillsides and river banks.

【Nature and flavor】 Pungent; bitter; warm

【Functions and indications】 Dispel wind and dampness; disperse blood stasis and reduce swelling. Mainly used for rheumatic bone pain and traumatic injuries

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 9-12g; or soaked in wine.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Through the above, we have learned about the effects and functions of the Chinese medicine Camellia thorna root bark. I hope everyone can prescribe the right medicine and consume Camellia thorna root bark correctly in life.