The efficacy and function of Alpine cypress

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 called Alpine cypress?

【Other name】Cypress

[Source] Medicinal material source: branches, leaves or cones of the Cupressaceae plant.

[Original form] Alpine cypress, shrub, 1-3m high, or creeping; or tree, 5-10m high, with a breast diameter of up to 1m. The bark is brown-gray; the branches are oblique or flat; the twigs are straight or arc-shaped, drooping or stretching. The leaves are thorn-shaped, with 3 leaves arranged in whorls, lanceolate or narrow lanceolate, with base decurrent, usually obliquely extending or spreading, 5-10mm long, 1-3mm wide, straight or curved, with an acute or acuminate thorn-like tip at the apex, slightly concave above with white powdery bands, arched and convex below with blunt ridges, fine grooves along the ridges or at the bottom. The male cones are oval, 3-4mm long, with 4-7 pairs of stamens, and the cones are oval or nearly spherical. It is green or yellow-green when immature, black or blue-black when ripe, slightly shiny, without white powder, and contains one seed. The seeds are ovate or conical-spherical, 4-8mm long and 3-7mm in diameter, with resin grooves and often 2-3 obvious or relatively obvious obtuse longitudinal ridges on the upper part.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in provincial high mountain areas with an altitude of 1600-4000m, mostly appearing on the top of limestone mountains.

[Properties] Identification of properties: the branches and leaves are tree-like, all leaves are thorn-like, 3 leaves are arranged in cross whorls, lanceolate, 5-10mm long, 1-1.3mm wide, with an acute or acuminate thorn-like tip at the apex, and the base is decurrent. It has a slight fragrance and a slightly astringent taste.

[Chemical composition] The heartwood contains epicedranediol, 4-ketocedrol, 3β-hydroxycedrol, isocedrolic acid, β-chamigrenic acid, 8,14-cedranoxide, 8,14-cedranolide, cedrol, β-sitosterol, widdrol, 7-oxototarol, procerin, 8,14-cedranediol, hinodiol, sugiol, hinokiic acid, cedrolic acid, etc.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; neutral

【Functions and indications】 Dispel wind and dampness; detoxify and reduce swelling. It is used for rheumatic pain, edema caused by nephritis, urinary tract infection, carbuncle, swelling and infection.

[Usage and Dosage] Neiqie: decoct in water, 9-15g; or boil into a paste.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

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