The efficacy and function of Asarum

Asarum is a traditional Chinese medicine. In addition to the effects we know in daily life, Asarum actually has many other effects and functions. Let’s take a look at them right away.

[Alias] Horse-hoof Asarum, Potato Leaf Asarum.

[Source] Medicinal material source: the whole herb with roots of Aristolochiaceae plants such as Aristolochia macrophylla, Qiyang Asarum and Dinghu Asarum.

[Original morphology] 1. The large-leaved water chestnut is a perennial herb with a sturdy plant. Rhizome creeping. The petiole is 10-23cm long; the bud leaf is ovate, with dense eyelashes on the edge; the leaf blade is oblong, broadly ovate or nearly halberd-shaped, 6-13cm long, 7-15cm wide, with an acute tip and a cordate base, dark green above, occasionally with white cloud spots, short hairs on the veins and near the edge, and light green below. The flowers are purple-black, 4-6cm in diameter; the pedicels are 1-5cm long; the perianth is bell-shaped, expanding outward at the same height as the style to form a ribbon-like ring, the throat is not constricted or slightly constricted, the throat aperture is about 1cm in diameter, there is no membranous ring or only membranous ring-like transverse discontinuous wrinkles, the inner wall has longitudinal ridge-like wrinkles, the lobes are broadly ovate, with a semicircular dirty white patch below the middle, light brown after drying, and with several rows of horizontal papillary wrinkles downward; the connective is protruding and blunt-pointed; the ovary is semi-inferior, with 6 styles, 2-cleft at the top, and stigmas lateral. The flowering period is April-May.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: 1. Grown on shady and moist slopes under forests or beside streams.

【Cultivation】 1. Biological characteristics: It prefers a relatively shady and humid environment. The soil is preferably loose, fertile, sandy soil rich in humus.

[Properties] Identification of properties (1) The rhizome of the large-leaved water chestnut is about 7 cm long and 2-4 mm in diameter, with multiple bowl-shaped petiole marks on it. The roots are thick, tufted, and 2-3 mm in diameter. The leaves are oblong, broadly ovate or nearly halberd-shaped when unfolded, 6-13cm long, 7-15cm wide, with acute apex and cordate base. There are occasional white cloud spots on the leaf surface and short hairs on the veins and near the edges. It has a fragrant aroma, spicy taste, and a slightly numbing tongue.

【Chemical composition】 1. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

【Nature and flavor】 Spicy; warm

【Entry】 Lung; spleen; liver meridian

【Functions and indications】 Dispel wind and cold; relieve cough and eliminate phlegm; promote blood circulation and detoxify; relieve pain. It is used for colds, coughs, toothaches, abdominal pain due to heat stroke, enteritis, dysentery, rheumatic joint pain, injuries from falls, carbuncles, swellings and poisons, and snake bites.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 3-6g; or grind into powder, 1g each time.

【Note】 Do not take this medicine if you are weak, have excessive sweating, or are pregnant.

[Remarks] In addition to the above three species, there is also Asarum inflatum CY Cheng et C. S. used as medicine. Yang (distributed in Sichuan), A. porhyronotum CY Cheng et C. S． Yang (distributed in Sichuan), dark green Asarum A. porhyronotum CY Cheng et C. S． Yangvar. Atrovirens CY Cheng et C. S． Yang (distributed in Sichuan), etc. The above 4 species and 2 varieties are mostly concentrated in the subgenus Duheng. Their common characteristics are large plants, thick roots, large and thin leathery leaves. Therefore, they are called "big asarum" in the producing areas, and are also used as wild asarum instead of asarum.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The above is an introduction to some relevant knowledge about Asarum. Do you have a better understanding of it? I hope everyone can apply Da Xixin in their lives to serve our health.