The efficacy and function of seaweed stone

Only when we understand the main ingredients of any medicinal material can we better exert its efficacy and function. Here I recommend a very popular Chinese medicinal material, seaweed stone.

[Other names] Small sea pumice, stone flower, big flower

[Source] Medicinal material source: calcified algae of Pacific Lithops and Okamura Lithops, both of the Corallineaceae family.

[Original morphology] 1. The body of Pacific Lithoclade is purple or dark red, crusty, 4-8cm in diameter, 1-2mm thick, heavily calcified, with many branched, tumor-like protrusions on the surface, 2-6mm high, 2-4mm in diameter, and the bases are fused together. The epidermis is composed of 2-3 layers of cells when viewed from the longitudinal section. The outermost layer is the "covering cells" and below the epidermis is the "peripheral layer". The cells are sub-square, 5-7μm in diameter, or rectangular with rounded corners, 5-7μm in diameter and 10-16μm in height. They are often arranged in layers and occupy most of the algal tissue. The bottom is the "base layer", which is more than 65-90μm thick. The rectangular cells are 12-24μm long and 5-7μm in diameter, and are composed of several layers arranged parallel to the fixation matrix. The phenomenon of cell fusion between adjacent algal filaments in the "basal layer" and "peripheral layer" is common. The sporangium reproductive fossa are distributed all over the pericarp, and the inner diameter of the wart-like protrusions is 180-390μm.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: 1. Grown on reefs 2-3m or deeper in the intertidal zone or on substrates such as oyster shells.

[Properties] Identification of properties: This product is in the shape of irregular coral-like blocks of varying sizes, off-white or off-white in color. The surface is relatively smooth, but the algae have protruding branches and are tumor-like, and some are attached to the matrix. It is heavy, hard and brittle, and has a loose cross-section. It has a slightly fishy smell and a slightly salty taste.

【Functions and indications】 Clears the lungs and relieves cough; resolves phlegm and softens hard masses; promotes diuresis and relieves stranguria. Mainly used for lung heat, cough and asthma; thick phlegm; vomiting blood; scrofula and goiter; gonorrhea; urinary difficulty

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 9-15g.

[Additional prescription] It means the stone-like substance formed by the calcification of algae in the sea.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Through the detailed introduction of the effects of seaweed stone in this article, we can understand the several major effects of seaweed stone. These effects are indeed a good way to regulate the body for people with poor physical constitution and low resistance. Everyone can try it.