The efficacy and function of landmine flower

Many people are not particularly familiar with the landmine flower. It is actually also called Mirabilis jalapa. Although it does not look particularly eye-catching, its leaves and roots have certain medicinal value. In addition to its ornamental value, it has the effect of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, and has diuretic and antipyretic effects. It also has certain therapeutic and health-care effects on some gynecological diseases in women. Let's take a look at the effects and functions of the landmine flower.

1. Introduction to Mirabilis jalapa

1. Introduction to Mirabilis jalapa

There are many names for Mirabilis jalapa, and the names vary in different regions, such as rouge flower, cooking flower, landmine flower, grass jasmine, night jasmine, night flower, bath flower, etc. It belongs to the Mirabilis family. Although the name contains "Jasmine", it is not Jasmine.

2. Morphological characteristics

Mirabilis jalapa is a perennial herb that can grow to about 1 meter in height. Its leaves are ovate-triangular, opposite, emerald green, with light-colored veins inside. Its flowers are trumpet-shaped, with five-lobed petals, 2 to 3 cm in diameter and 4 to 5 cm long. Most of them are bright red or purple, but there are also white, pink, yellow and complex colors. The fruit is hard and black, and its appearance resembles a landmine, so it is also called "landmine flower."

The flowering period of Mirabilis jalapa is from 4 pm to 10 am the next day, so it is called "four seasons flower" in English; because it often blooms during the time period when people bathe and cook at night, it is also known as "bath flower" and "cooking flower"; the flowers wither the next morning. Because the flower tube of Mirabilis jalapa is slender, it is difficult for large nocturnal Lepidoptera to absorb nectar, and its pollination and pollination are generally completed by hawk moths.

2. The efficacy and function of Mirabilis jalapa

1. Ornamental value

Mirabilis jalapa is a flower plant that requires little management. It is easy to cultivate and has a high ornamental value. It has a light jasmine scent and is a good greening plant.

2. Medicinal value

Effect 1: The roots and leaves of Mirabilis jalapa can be used for medicinal purposes, and have the effects of diuresis, purging heat, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. In some folk prescriptions, the whole plant of Mirabilis jalapa can be used as medicine, which can treat various symptoms such as irregular menstruation, urinary tract infection, diabetes, bruises, prostatitis, adnexitis, cervicitis, mastitis, carbuncle, amenorrhea, leucorrhea, etc.

Effect 2: Grind the fruit of Mirabilis jalapa into powder and mix it with water to apply externally to treat skin ulcers; the white powder inside the seeds of Mirabilis jalapa (also called endosperm) can treat facial spots, acne, yellow blisters on the skin, and can also be used as a cosmetic powder if the ulcers ooze yellow water.

Effect three: The flowers of Mirabilis jalapa can be used for colitis, abdominal distension, and diarrhea.

Effect four: The stems and leaves of Mirabilis jalapa can treat sores, swellings and boils. Use fresh Mirabilis jalapa to mash and apply to the affected area or boil it in water for external washing.

3. Usage and dosage of Mirabilis jalapa

For internal use: decoction, 15-25g (25-50g for fresh product).

For external use: mash and apply.

4. Taboos on eating Mirabilis jalapa

The roots, stems and seeds of Mirabilis jalapa all have a laxative effect. Pregnant women should avoid taking them to avoid causing certain effects on the fetus and the pregnant woman herself.

5. Mirabilis jalapa folk remedies

(1) To treat leucorrhea: stew 1 liang of white flowered Mirabilis jalapa root, 5 qian of white hibiscus, and 5 qian of white peony root with meat.

(2) To treat erythema: stew 2 liang of red Mirabilis jalapa root, 1 liang of red cockscomb root, 1 liang of dizziness medicine, and 5 qian of rabbit ear wind with pig’s feet.

(3) To treat carbuncle and back ulcer: Peel and clean the root of a fresh Mirabilis jalapa, add a little brown sugar and mash it. Apply to the affected area and change the root twice a day.

Note: If you need to take Mirabilis jalapa, it is best to consult a professional doctor before use.