The efficacy and function of ground cucumber

In modern life, everyone is very familiar with various Chinese herbal medicines, among which ground cucumber is a very common one. So what are the effects and functions of ground cucumber? Let’s take a look.

[Other names] White-stemmed cucumber, plowshare (Guizhou Folk Prescriptions and Medicines), Viola (Chinese Seed Plant Taxonomy), cucumber fragrance (Guizhou Folk Medicines).

[Source] It is the whole herb of Viola purpurogena, a plant of the Violaceae family.

[Original form] Perennial herb with deep and long taproot. The stem is about 20 cm high and slants upward or obliquely. The leaves are triangular-cordate or nearly circular-cordate, 1 to 6 cm long and 1 to 4 cm wide, with acute or rounded apex, cordate base, serrated margins, glandular tooth tips, brown spots on both sides, and glabrous; stipules are linear-lanceolate. Margin pectinate; stem base usually with persistent stipules; radicular. The petioles of the leaves are relatively long, and the petioles of the stem leaves gradually become shorter as they grow upwards. The pedicel emerges from the root or branches from the stem, and is 6 to 10 cm long; the flowers are lavender, about 2 cm in diameter, with 5 sepals, green, lanceolate, and semicircular appendages; 5 petals, narrow and long, with brown dots, the lower one has spurs, long sac-like and slightly curved; 5 stamens; ovary superior, stigma pointed, slightly curved, and undivided. Capsule, glabrous. Flowering period is April.

[Habitat distribution] It grows in grass by the water or in wetlands under forests. Distributed in East China and Southwest China.

[Properties and flavors] Guizhou Folk Medicine: "Cool in nature, slightly bitter in taste, non-toxic."

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and detoxifies, stops bleeding and removes blood stasis. Treats redness and swelling of the throat, carbuncle, bleeding from knife wounds, and bruises.

【Usage and Dosage】 For external use: mash and apply or burn and grind into powder and sprinkle. For internal use: decoction.

[Additional prescription] ① To treat chronic sore throat and swelling: Mash the ground cucumber, add honey water and swallow. (Guizhou Folk Medicine)

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From "Guizhou Folk Prescriptions and Medicines Collection"

Through the introduction in the above article, I believe everyone has a certain understanding of ground cucumbers. Ground cucumbers are very good for human health, so you can try it.