The efficacy and function of Ephedra sinica

The medical value of ephedra sinica is beyond our imagination. It is very effective in treating some diseases. Ephedra sinica contains many substances that are beneficial to the human body. Let’s take a look.

[Other names] Corn grass (Illustrated Catalogue of Plant Names and Realities), Ground Fir (Guizhou Folk Medicines), Duckfoot Melon Seed Grass (Zhejiang Tianmu Yam Plant Catalogue).

[Source] It is the whole herb of the Aizoaceae plant corn grass . Harvested from May to June.

[Original morphology] Annual herb, 10 to 30 cm tall, completely glabrous. The taproot is thin and yellowish white. The stem is inclined, ribbed, and branched. The leaves are 3 to 5 and arranged in whorls. The basal leaves are obovate or oblong. The stem leaves are lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, entire and sessile. Cyme inflorescence terminal or axillary; flowers small, reddish brown, with short petioles; 5 perianths, separate; 3 to 5 stamens, alternate with perianth; ovary superior, 3-chambered, 3-styled, short. The back of the capsule is cracked, and there are many seeds, which are round and kidney-shaped, brown and black, with tumor-like protrusions.

[Habitat distribution] Growing in wasteland sandy soil, river dams, etc. Distributed from central to southwestern my country.

【Properties and flavors】 "Guizhou Folk Medicine": "Light, slightly astringent, neutral."

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and detoxifies. Treat abdominal pain, diarrhea, skin rash, and conjunctivitis.

[Usage and Dosage] For internal use: decoct in water, 0.5-1 liang. For external use: mash and apply to the mouth or insert into the nose.

[Additional prescription] ① Treat abdominal pain and diarrhea: 1 liang of millet grass, 5 to 6 qian each of green costusroot and cranesbill. Decoction in water and take once in the morning and evening. (Zhejiang Tianmu Yam Plant Records)

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

The above is an introduction to the effects of Ephedra sinica. When using it, you can use it according to the needs mentioned above. Ephedra sinica is also very helpful in treating certain diseases.