The efficacy and function of hair algae

Chinese medicine has different effects on our body and can regulate our body. Today we will introduce a Chinese medicine: Fa Cai. What are its specific effects and functions? Let’s take a look.

[Source] Medicinal material source: the algae of the plant Nostoc moss of the Nostoc family.

[Original morphology] In a humid environment, the plant body is surrounded by a gelatinous sheath and appears in irregular pieces with a diameter ranging from 3 to 5 cm. Often, groups are connected into sheets with a diameter of up to 30 cm. The algal cells in the body are round, 4 to 5 μm in diameter, and blue-green in color. The heteromorphic cells are large, round, transparent, and 8-14μm in diameter. The asexual state of algal cell nutrition is common, so it is very easy to find dividing groups composed of multiple small cells in the cells. After the mother cell ruptures, new single-file long chains are formed, which are enclosed in a common gelatinous sheath.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: grows in arid grassland areas or wet grasslands. After drying, it becomes black hair-like interweaving.

[Properties] Identification: The algae grow in clumps, with a diameter of 3-5cm, and are whip-shaped at the elongated part, black in color, and are made up of interwoven algae filaments. Slight odor, light taste.

【Chemical composition】 Contains β-carotene, echinenone, myxoxanthophyll, canthaxanthin, chlorophyll A, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, amino acids and trace elements such as manganese, copper and cobalt.

【Functions and indications】Nourishes the blood; acts as a diuretic and blood pressure lowerer; resolves phlegm and relieves cough. Female anemia; hypertension; cough with lots of phlegm

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 30-60g; or appropriate amount, as food.

[Additional recipe] It is named so because the algae become intertwined like hair after being dehydrated and dried.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Now you know the function of hair vegetable. I didn’t know that hair algae was such a valuable thing before, which shows that our knowledge is not broad enough. So in the future life, learning more about it can be a good way to maintain health. In fact, if you want to maintain health, there is knowledge everywhere in life.