The efficacy and function of Hetacao

The development of Western medicine has brought some crises to traditional Chinese medicine. But traditional Chinese medicine still has many magical aspects. Let’s talk about the effects and functions of traditional Chinese medicine and other herbs.

[Alias] The immortal casts his net and the ground is covered with carpet (Xiamen "New Therapies and Selected Chinese Herbal Medicines").

[Source] It is the root and stem of the plant Snakewort of the Sterculiaceae family. Harvest in autumn, cut the roots and stems, cut into sections and dry them in the sun.

[Original form] Semi-shrub, 35 to 150 cm high. Branchlets densely pubescent. The leaves are alternate, narrowly ovate or ovate, 2-4.2 cm long, 1.2-2.2 cm wide, with a shallow cordate or rounded base, covered with short soft hairs on the upper side and stellate short hairs on the lower side, with irregular shallow teeth or serrations on the edge; the petiole is 0.5-1 cm long. The inflorescence is axillary, capitate, with a peduncle 0.3 to 1.6 cm long; the bracts are narrowly lanceolate, about 4 mm long, densely pubescent; the calyx is tubular, 5-lobed, pubescent on the outside; there are 5 petals, light yellow, nearly as long as the calyx; there are 5 stamens, with filaments fused; the ovary is sessile, pubescent, the style is eccentric, and the stigma is fringed. The capsule is very small and usually split dorsally into 2 lobes. 1 seed. Flowering period is September.

[Habitat distribution] Grown on sunny slopes or hills. Distributed in South China, Yunnan, Fujian, Taiwan and other places.

[Chemical composition] Contains a variety of peptide bioalkaloids, called serpentine X, Y, Y', and Z.

【Pharmacological Action】 Adouetine Z has no antipyretic effect; low doses can cause hypothermia and sedation, while high doses can cause excitement. The median lethal dose for mice is 52.5 mg/kg.

[Properties and flavors] Xiamen "New Therapies and Selected Chinese Herbal Medicines": "spicy, slightly sweet, neutral."

【Functions and indications】 Xiamen "New Therapies and Selections of Chinese Herbal Medicine": "Dispel dampness, expel wind, reduce inflammation, and detoxify. Treat leucorrhea, carbuncle, and mastitis."

[Usage and Dosage] For internal use: decoct in water, 1 to 2 liang; or stew with meat.

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

This article introduces some basic knowledge about medicinal materials and herbs. They are very effective in treating some related diseases of the human body. Moreover, Hetacao has a certain regulating effect on the body and can be consumed in moderation.