The efficacy and function of Duheng

Duheng is a relatively common medicinal material in traditional Chinese medicine. So what are the health benefits of Duheng? In what aspects of daily life is Duheng widely used? Let's take a brief look at Duheng.

[Other names] Huai, Hengweixiang (Da Dai Zhaji), Mu, Tulu (Erzhi), Chuheng (Fan Zi Ji Ran), Duheng (Guangya), Tuxing (Bowuzhi), Ma Tixiang (Tang Materia Medica), Quexiang (Hong Chu's Xianglei), Duhengkui (Er Ya Yi), Tu Xixin (Tu Su Materia Medica), Beiercao (Taicangzhou Zhi), Dukui (Gangmu), Nan Xixin (Yilin Zongyao), Maxin (Jiangsu Yaocai Zhi), Ma Ti Xixin, Nilihua, Tulikaihua (Zhejiang Tianmu Shan Yaozhi).

[Source] It is the rhizome , root or whole herb of the plant Aristolochiaceae . Dig up from April to June, wash and dry.

[Original form] Perennial herb. The internodes of the rhizome are short, and many fleshy roots grow at the lower end. There are 1 to 2 leaves at the end of the stem. The leaves are broadly cordate to reniform-cordate, 3 to 8 cm long and wide, obtuse or rounded at the apex, cordate at the base, slightly hairy on both sides, densely covered with fine hairs on the edges and veins; the petiole is 7 to 15 cm long. Single flower terminal, 1-1.2 cm in diameter; perianth campanulate, 3-lobed at apex, lobes broadly ovate, dark purple, with distinct veins; 12 stamens; 6 styles, stigma 2-lobed. Capsule fleshy, with many dark brown seeds.

[Habitat distribution] It grows in the shade and moist humus-containing forest or grass. Distributed in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Hunan, Jiangxi and other places. Produced in Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

[Properties] The rhizome is irregular cylindrical, about 2 cm long and 1.5 to 2 cm in diameter. The surface is light brown or light yellow brown, with many ring-shaped nodes, residual wrinkled petioles or leaves at the top, and many fibrous roots at the bottom. The root is thin cylindrical, curved, about 7 cm long, 1-2 mm in diameter, grayish white to light brown on the surface, with fine longitudinal wrinkles, easy to break, flat cross section, and off-white. It has a fragrant aroma and a spicy taste.

[Chemical composition] The main ingredients are safrole and a small amount of eugenol.

[Pharmacological action] Safrole has a paralyzing effect and can paralyze the respiratory center of animals. Giving cats and livestock a small amount for a long time will cause fatty degeneration of the liver and kidneys similar to phosphorus poisoning; giving dogs 0.75 grams will cause vomiting. The lethal dose for dogs is 1 gram/kg by subcutaneous injection or oral administration.

[Processing] Pick out impurities from the original medicine, pat off mud, wash with water, cut into pieces after slightly moistening, and dry in the sun.

【Nature and flavor】 "Bielu": "spicy, warm, non-toxic."

[Functions and indications] Dispel wind and cold, eliminate phlegm and promote water circulation, promote blood circulation, relieve asthma, and relieve pain. It can treat colds caused by wind and cold, coughs and asthma due to phlegm, edema, rheumatism, injuries from falls, headaches, pain caused by tooth decay, and abdominal pain caused by qi sha.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 0.5-1 qian; soak in wine or make into powder. For external use: grind into powder and blow into nose or mash and apply on skin.

【Note】 People with weak constitution, excessive sweating, cough and hemoptysis and pregnant women should not take it.

[Additional prescription] ① Treat headache caused by wind-cold, cold, headache and fever at the beginning of the symptoms: grind water chestnut incense into powder, take one coin each time, mix with hot wine, drink a bowl of hot tea after a while to induce sweating. (Xianghan Powder from "Xinglin Abstract")

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From "Ming Yi Bie Lu".

In general, the effect of Duheng is quite significant. It is precisely because Duheng has so many health-preserving effects that the application of Duheng in health-preserving in daily life can be said to be quite high.