Pictures of the effects and functions of Stemona

Stemona bulb, also known as "Pofu grass", is mainly used for its root flavor when used as medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it is slightly warm in nature, bitter and sweet in taste, and has the effects of relieving cough and moistening the lungs, as well as removing insects and lice. It can be used in clinical medicine to treat cough, tuberculosis, whooping cough, body lice and other symptoms. The Gangmu states:

Stemona japonica is of the same type as Asparagus cochinchinensis, so both can treat lung diseases and eliminate parasites. However, Stemona japonica has an average temperature and is not cold, so it is suitable for cold coughs; while Asparagus cochinchinensis is cold but not hot, so it is suitable for hot coughs. This is the difference.

Medicinal value of Stemona

1. Antibacterial effect

The antibacterial effect of Stemona is more obvious. Pharmacological studies have shown that its ingredients contain components that inhibit bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Hepatitis B hemolytic Streptococcus, Meningococcus, Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio cholerae. Therefore, it has a certain therapeutic effect on bacterial diseases.

2. Antitussive and phlegm-reducing effects

The antitussive and phlegm-resolving effect of Stemona comes from the various flavonoids it contains, which can resist the organ spasm caused by histamine, and at the same time increase the fluid regulation of the respiratory center, thereby suppressing cough and achieving the purpose of relieving cough and reducing phlegm.

3. Insect removal effect

Stemona japonica also has a good insect repellent effect. Scientific research shows that its alcohol extract has an extermination effect on mosquito larvae, head lice and bed bugs.

4. Antiviral therapeutic efficacy

In vitro experimental studies have also shown that Radix Stemonae has anti-influenza virus effects and can play a preventive role against influenza.

Application of Radix Baibu in clinical medicine

As a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Stemona tuberosa has many applications in clinical medicine. Here are some common prescriptions:

1. For treating sudden cough: mash the root of Stemona vine to extract the juice, mix it with honey in equal parts, boil it in boiling water to make a paste and swallow it. (Continuation of Shiquan Fang) 2. Treat psoriasis: Stemona bulbus, Dictamni cortex, Trichosanthes kirilowii seeds (shell removed), and Glehnia littoralis. One liang each of Phellodendron amurense, Chuanxiong, and Rehmannia glutinosa, two liang of yellow wax, five qian of realgar powder, and eight liang of salad oil. First, boil the seven ingredients including Stemona bulbus until dry, filter out the residue, and boil the oil until it seeps through water and forms beads. Then add the yellow wax and test whether it does not dissolve in water for a long time. Take the pot out of the pot and add the realgar powder. Wait until it cools down a little, then put it into a magnetic basin for storage and quench it before use. (Baibu ointment from "Ten Methods of Surgery")

Frequently Asked Questions about Baibu

1. Stemona is slightly warm in nature and has a certain effect of removing dampness and heat, so it should be used with caution by people with heat in the stomach and intestines.

2. Excessive intake of Stemona japonica can cause symptoms of food poisoning such as heat stroke and numbness, so when using Stemona japonica, be sure to avoid excessive intake.