The efficacy and function of Vernonia

There are so many medicinal herbs in the world, and it is inevitable that there are some that we are not familiar with. But as long as we have the spirit of learning throughout our lives, I believe we can slowly learn more medical herbs. So do you know about the medicinal herb Vernonia?

【English name】 Edible Ironweed

[Other names] Tofu dregs tree, deaf ear tree, chicken chrysanthemum, charcoal tree, charcoal leaf, burnt leaf, scalded leaf, fire vine chrysanthemum

[Source] Medicinal material source: the roots or leaves of Vernonia striata of the Asteraceae family.

[Original form] Vernonia is a shrub or small tree, 2-6m high. The branches are cylindrical, more or less angular, and the branchlets are covered with grayish white dense soft hairs. Leaves are alternate; petioles are stout, 1-1.5cm long, with dense grayish white pubescence; leaf blades are ovate-elliptic, ovate-lanceolate or lanceolate, 8-23cm long, 2-8cm wide, acuminate or mucronate at apex, broadly cuneate at base, entire, rarely wavy, with 9-13 pairs of lateral veins, arcuately extending to the margin, with reticular veins, veins prominently protruding beneath, dark green above, with nipple-like protrusions, slightly rough, grayish white pubescent beneath, with bright glandular dots on both sides, papery. Inflorescences are numerous, 2-4mm in diameter, with 5-6 flowers, arranged in dense or relatively dense broad panicles at the branch ends or upper leaf axils; peduncles are thin, 2-5mm long, or nearly sessile, and densely pubescent; involucre is obconical, 2-3mm in diameter, with pointed base; involucral bracts are few, leathery, and about 4 layers, the outer layer is small, nearly round or ovate, the inner layer is larger, oblong, obtuse at the apex, and densely pubescent on the outside; receptacle is small, with pits; flowers are lavender-red, corolla is tubular, about 7mm long, glandular, slightly enlarged upwards, lobes are linear-lanceolate, and glandular on the outside at the apex. Achenes are nearly cylindrical, slightly flattened, light yellowish brown, about 3mm long, slightly ridged, covered with short sparse hairs or glandular dots; pappus has 2 layers, white or dirty white, the outer layer is short, the inner layer is rough and hairy, 6-7mm long. Flowering period is from July to December.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in sunny places on hillsides at an altitude of 1000-2700m, in thickets on grassy slopes, in sparse forests in valleys, or on the edge of forests.

【Nature and flavor】 Sweet; astringent; cool

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and detoxifies; promotes tissue regeneration and heals ulcers. Mainly used for appendicitis, furuncle, burns

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 9-15g. For external use: take appropriate amount, grind into powder and apply on skin.

[Discussions by various scholars] "List of Medicinal Plants in Yunnan": used for appendicitis and carbuncle. Leaves: Treat burns.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Through the detailed introduction of Vernonia in this article, we can learn about the related effects and eating methods of Vernonia. The value of Vernonia can be seen from its efficacy, which fully reflects the importance of Vernonia.