The efficacy and function of Zostera marina

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

[Alias] Kelp, seahorse rush, seaweed, kelp grass

[Source] Medicinal material source: the whole herb of Zostera marina of the Potamogetonaceae family.

[Original form] Zona elata, a perennial submerged herb. There are root-like creeping stems with fibrous roots on the nodes; the stems are thin and sparsely branched. Leaves are alternate; leaves are long and narrow, 30-50cm long, 3-5mm wide, obtuse at the apex, entire, with 5 veins, rarely 7-11 veins; stipules are membranous and separated from the leaf base. The spadix is ​​initially enclosed in a spathe, the axis of the inflorescence is flat, leaf-like, 3-4 cm long, and attached to the spathe; the flowers are small, male and female flowers are alternately arranged on both sides of the inflorescence axis, and there is no perianth; male flowers have only one anther; female flowers have only one pistil and two stigmas. Achenes are elliptical to ovate, 2.5-4mm long, with longitudinal ridges. The seeds are oval or ovate, and also have longitudinal ridges. Flowering and fruiting period is April to July.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in the mid-tidal zone of the beach, forming large monospecific communities.

[Cultivation] Biological characteristics: It prefers cold and humid climate and is tolerant to salt and alkali. It is advisable to choose beach land for cultivation.

【Properties】 Identification of properties: This product is in the shape of a slender ribbon with entire margins. Often wrinkled or curled, often broken, 2-8mm in diameter, as thin as paper. The surface is brown-green to brown with white salt frost. It is brittle, with fine hair-like fibers on the broken surface. It has a slight odor and tastes salty.

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[Pharmacological action] An ingredient extracted from kelp (Zostera longifolia) using ether has an inhibitory effect on Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

【Nature and flavor】 Salty; cold

【Meridian】 Bladder meridian

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and resolves phlegm; softens and disperses lumps; promotes diuresis. Mainly used for gall tuberculosis, hernia, edema, and athlete's foot

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 5-10g; or made into pills or powder.

[Discussions by various scholars] On the similarities and differences between the functions of kelp, seaweed and kelp: Ni Zhumo: "Kelp can remove goiters and promote the flow of water, relieve gas and resolve phlegm, and has the same functions as seaweed and kelp; it is effective in inducing labor in women's prescriptions, but it is slightly different." ("Compendium of Materia Medica")

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Now you know the function of eelgrass. I didn’t know that Zona elata is 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.