The efficacy and function of Datongcao

After thousands of years of sedimentation and accumulation, the types and quantities of Chinese medicine have become quite astonishing. Therefore, choosing Chinese medicine to treat some difficult and complicated diseases always has a very good effect. Next, I would like to recommend a Chinese medicine, Da Tougucao.

[Source] It is the whole herb of Vaccinium utricum, a plant of the Ericaceae family. It can be harvested throughout the year, washed and dried.

[Original form] Shrub, more than 1 meter high. Stem erect, branched. Leaves are alternate, leathery; ovate-elliptical, 5-9 cm long, 2.4-4.5 cm wide, with a pointed apex, rounded base, entire margin, 7 pairs of pinnate lateral veins, upward curved, and glabrous on both sides; petioles are short and thick, less than 3 mm long. The racemes are arranged in a cone, axillary, with 15 to 25 flowers; the pedicels are 4.8 mm long; the bracteoles are narrow, linear, about 7 mm long, and subulate at the apex; the bracteoles are ovate, covering the buds, 8 to 11 mm long, pointed at the apex, and brown; both large and small bracts fall off when flowering; the corolla is short bell-shaped, about 6 mm in diameter, green with a lavender halo; there are 5 petals. The berries are nearly spherical and crowned with a persistent calyx. The seeds are irregularly triangular in shape and light brown in color. Flowering period is early summer.

[Habitat distribution] Grown at the foot of mountains and in the shade and wet places under forests. Distributed in Yunnan, Guangxi and other places.

【Nature and flavor】 Slightly bitter, slightly warm.

【Functions and indications】 Dispel wind and dampness, relax muscles and activate collaterals. Treat rheumatic joint pain.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 3 to 5 qian; or soaked in wine. For external use: decoction and wash.

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From "Commonly Used Herbs in Kunming Folk Culture"

The above is some basic information about the Herba Lycopodii. I hope you can learn more about Chinese herbal medicine, which will be beneficial to you.