The efficacy and function of Liquidambar leaves

As people's living standards continue to improve, health and longevity are gradually valued by us, so nowadays health-preserving diet therapy methods are very popular, the trend of traditional Chinese medicine is becoming more and more popular, and Chinese medicine has once again occupied people's vision. Today we will talk about the Chinese medicine Liquidambar leaves.

[Source] It is the leaves of Liquidambar formosana , a plant of the Hamamelidaceae family.

[Chemical composition] Contains 0.05% volatile oil, of which terpenes account for 88%, sesquiterpenes account for 2%, sesquiterpene alcohols account for 0.6%, and it also contains a terpene called styraxene.

[Pharmacological action] The hemostatic powder made from the alcohol extract has a certain hemostatic effect on dog femoral artery bleeding, bleeding from liver and spleen wounds, bleeding from severed limbs, etc. However, the absorption is not ideal, and the hemostatic effect is significantly reduced after the drug is exposed to moisture.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter, neutral.

[Entry into meridians] "Quanzhou Materia Medica": "enters the spleen, kidney, and liver meridians."

[Functions and indications] Treat acute gastroenteritis, dysentery, postpartum wind, umbilical wind in children, carbuncle and back swelling.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 0.5-1 liang for fresh ones; mash into juice or burn and grind into powder. For external use: mash and apply or decoct in water for washing.

[Additional prescription] ① To treat carbuncle and back swelling: Mash the young leaves of Liquidambar formosana and old rice together and apply to the affected area. ("Folk Herbs in Southern Fujian")

[Clinical Application] For the treatment of acute gastroenteritis: Make Liquidambar form into 100% decoction, 50-100 ml each time, 2-3 times a day; for children, 10-20 ml each time, 3-4 times a day. For those with severe vomiting, first use chlorpromazine or acupuncture Neiguan (bilateral) to stop vomiting; for those with severe abdominal pain, add atropine; for those with dehydration, give fluids. 87 cases were treated, 80 were cured in 1 day, 5 were cured in 2 days, and 2 were cured in 3 days. Except for vomiting and nausea in a small number of cases (mostly children), no other side effects were observed after taking the medicine.

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From "Compendium of Materia Medica".

The utilization rate of Liquidambar leaves in traditional Chinese medicine is still very high, and it can be used to treat a variety of diseases. We should eat liquidambar leaves only after fully understanding their efficacy and functions. I hope everyone doesn’t eat carelessly.