The efficacy and function of Ficus microcarpa

Ficus microcarpa is a medicinal herb that is quite common in life. We can eat it appropriately. Since many people don’t know much about it, let’s take a look at it below.

【Alias】Golden jellyfish

[Source] Medicinal material source: The root of Ficus microcarpa of the Moraceae family.

[Original form] Shrub or small tree, 3-10m high. The internodes of the twigs are short, and there are traces of stipules with annular protrusions on the nodes. Leaves are alternate; petiole is 6-10mm long; stipules are long triangular, about 8mm long; leaf blade is thin leathery, oblong to oblanceolate, 4-12cm long, 1.5-4cm wide, with obtuse or short pointed apex, cuneate base, slightly rolled back all along; 3 basal veins, 6-10 pairs of lateral veins, extending at right angles to the midrib. Inflorescence is cryptic, with the receptacle solitary or in pairs in the leaf axils, spherical, 10-12mm in diameter, red, with small tubercles, apical bracts with umbilical protrusions, 3 basal bracts, ovate-triangular, and fused at the base; the peduncle is 4-8mm long; male flowers and gall flowers grow in the same inflorescence receptacle, male flowers are scattered on the inner wall, with 3-4 tepals; 2-3 stamens, anthers are longer than filaments; gall flower tepals are 5-6, boat-shaped, and styles are lateral; female flowers are born in another inflorescence receptacle, with 3-4 tepals. The mature fig fruit is red, contains oval achenes, and has lateral styles. Flowering period is from June to August.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in plains or low-altitude mountains, hills and sparse forests.

[Properties] Identification of properties: The root is cylindrical, of varying lengths, with a diameter of 0.8-2cm. The surface is dark brown with transverse lenticels, and the cork is easy to fall off, revealing the light reddish brown skin. It is hard, with light brown bark in cross section and light yellow-brown wood with fine concentric rings. Slight odor, light taste.

【Nature and flavor】 Slightly bitter; pungent; slightly warm

【Functions and indications】 Expel wind and dampness; promote blood circulation and relieve pain; promote lactation. It is used for rheumatic pain, stomachache, furuncle, traumatic injury, and milk retention.

[Usage and Dosage] For internal use: decoct in water, 30-60g. For external use: appropriate amount, soak in wine and apply on the affected area.

[Discussions by various scholars] "Xinhua Compendium of Materia Medica": Root: bitter, spicy, warm in nature. It has the functions of dispelling wind, removing dampness, promoting blood circulation and relieving pain. Used for rheumatic joint pain. Lumbar pain, gastric and duodenal ulcers, heat stroke, lactation, furunculosis and bruises.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Nowadays, people's life pressure is constantly increasing, which makes our bodies often in a state of fatigue. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Ficus microcarpa has a certain regulating effect on the body. I hope it will be helpful to everyone.