The efficacy and function of white mountain moss

For many Chinese people, traditional Chinese medicine is very trustworthy because it has a long history and few side effects. White mountain moss is a common Chinese medicinal material. It has many benefits for human health. So how can we eat white mountain moss? Let’s learn about it below.

[Source] It is the leaves of Ledum palustris, a plant of the Ericaceae family. It can be harvested throughout the year, dried in the shade, or fresh leaves can be boiled into paste.

[Original form] Evergreen small tree, up to 50 cm tall. Much branched, young branches densely covered with yellow-brown hairs. Leaves are alternate, densely packed, nearly leathery, linear, about 1.5-3.5 cm long, 1.5-2.5 mm wide, dark green above, densely brown pubescent below, with curled edges, midrib concave above and convex below, with yellow granular glands on young branches, young leaves and inflorescences. Corymbs grow at the top of the previous-year branches; flowers are white, pedicels are thin, 1-2 cm long, densely covered with brown hairs; calyx is 5-lobed, persistent; corolla is deeply lobed into 5 parts, with long ovate petals; stamens are 10; style is slender, persistent. The capsule is oval, covered with brown hairs, and cracks upward from the base. Flowering period is from June to July. Fruiting period is July to August.

[Habitat distribution] It grows in moss meadows or on moist hillsides. Distributed in Northeast my country and Inner Mongolia.

[Chemical composition] The leaves and roots of Ledum palustris contain 1.42-6.73% tannin and 0.36-2.59% volatile oil (dry weight).

[Pharmacological action] The brown-yellow volatile oil obtained by steam distillation can inhibit the respiratory and motor responses of rabbits and frogs, and increase excitability, and finally lead to respiratory and cardiac arrest. The above effects are all central. It has a direct inhibitory effect on the muscles of isolated frog hearts, rabbit small intestines and uteri. It has a paralyzing effect on skeletal muscles and motor nerves. The leaves are used as a drink and are said to have a strengthening effect.

【Functions and indications】Regulating menstruation. Treat irregular menstruation, infertility, and gastric ulcer.

[Additional prescription] ① Treat irregular menstruation and infertility: Take appropriate amount of white mountain moss leaves, decoct in water, filter, concentrate into a paste, and take internally as appropriate.

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From "Jilin Chinese Herbal Medicine".

Through the introduction in the above article, I believe everyone has a certain understanding of white mountain moss. The effect of white mountain moss is very large and it has great benefits for the human body. Therefore, everyone can choose white mountain moss according to their physical condition, but it should still be done under the doctor's advice.