The efficacy and function of Daqianma

The environment is now seriously deteriorating and various diseases are emerging one after another. In order to prevent the occurrence of various diseases and ensure good health, many people choose to enhance their immunity through diet. As a food ingredient that can fundamentally regulate various functions of the body, Chinese medicinal materials have received widespread attention. Today I will introduce to you the medicinal herb Daqianma.

[Other names] stem hemp, palm leaf scorpion grass, red hemp, big money hemp, big front hemp, tiger hemp, grass hemp, fire hemp, front hemp, money hemp, nettle

[Source] Medicinal material source: the whole herb and root of Urticaceae.

[Original morphology] Perennial upright herb, 0.5-2m high. The stem has longitudinal ridges and is covered with coarse hairs and coarse stinging hairs. Simple leaves are alternate; petioles are 6-12cm long; stipules are connate, 2-lobed at the apex, ovate-lanceolate, 1-1.2cm long, membranous, light brown, and caducous early; leaf blades are broadly ovate to oblate, 8-15cm long, 7-14cm wide, 3-5-lobed at the apex, rounded, truncated or slightly cordate at the base, with coarse serrations on the margins, dark green with densely dotted stalactites on the surface, light green on the back, with coarse pubescent hairs and light yellow coarse stinging hairs on both sides. Monoecious or dioecious; inflorescences axillary, spike-shaped; male inflorescences shorter than female inflorescences, located at the lower part of the stem; female tepals 2-lobed, upper tepals elliptical, with inconspicuous 3 teeth at the tip, lower tepals linear, all covered with coarse hairs and coarse stinging hairs on the outside. Achenes are oblate, about 2mm in diameter, with base supported by persistent tepals, and style persistent. The flowering period is from September to October, and the fruiting period is from October to November.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Growing in forest wetlands or ditch grass at an altitude of 500-1400m.

[Properties] Identification of properties: The whole plant is 0.5-2m long and is covered with short hairs and sharp thorn-like stinging hairs. The stem has edges. The leaves are wrinkled, and when flattened, they are pentagonal in outline, 8-1.5cm long and wide, with a shallowly cordate or nearly truncated base, palmately 3-lobed, coarsely serrated on the edges, and hairy on both sides; the petiole is 4-15cm long; the stipules are broadly ovate and fused. It has a faint smell and a bitter taste.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; pungent; cool; slightly toxic

【Functions and indications】 Dispel wind and phlegm; promote dampness and detoxify. Mainly used for cough with a lot of sputum; rheumatism; pain caused by falls; headache; itchy skin; edema and sores; snake bites

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 9-15g; or mash and drink the juice. For external use: take appropriate amount and decoct in water for fumigation and washing.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Daqianma is often used in the treatment of some diseases. It can be made into a compound prescription or used alone as needed. However, Daqianma should not be consumed blindly to avoid adverse effects on the body.