The efficacy and function of velvet leaves

Ramie leaf is a wild plant, but it can also be used as a Chinese herbal medicine. Because it has certain medicinal effects, it can dispel wind and dampness, clear away heat and detoxify. This Chinese herbal medicine can not only be taken internally, but can also be crushed and applied externally. This Chinese herbal medicine has very little side effects on the human body. Let’s take a look at the effects and functions of ramie leaves.

[Source] The whole herb or leaves of Ramie, a plant of the Malvaceae family.

[Original form]

Ramie, also known as: white hemp (Compendium of Materia Medica), green hemp, wild ramie, ramie, and Kong hemp.

Annual herb, 1 to 2 meters high, cultivated ones can reach 3 to 4 meters. Stem erect, with soft hairs. The leaves are alternate, round and heart-shaped, 7 to 18 cm in diameter, pointed at the tip, heart-shaped at the base, with crenate edges and densely pubescent on both sides; the petiole is 8 to 18 cm long. Flowers are solitary in leaf axils; pedicels are 0.8-2.5 cm long and strong; calyx is green, tubular at the bottom and 5-lobed at the top, the lobes are oval and sharp at the tip; petals are 5; yellow, slightly longer than the calyx, with obvious veins on the petals; stamens are very short; carpels are 15-20, 1-1.5 cm long, truncate at the apex, arranged in a wheel, densely covered with soft hairs, and each carpel has 2 expanded, hairy long awns. The capsule splits open when ripe; the seeds are kidney-shaped, brown, and slightly hairy. Flowering period is from July to August. The fruiting period is from September to October.

[Habitat distribution] Commonly found on roadsides, fields, wastelands, embankments, or in cultivation. Distributed all over the country.

[Chemical composition] The above-ground part contains 0.2% rutin.

[Nature and flavor] "Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Medicines in Shanghai": Whole plant: bitter, flat.

【Function and indications】

① "Fujian Folk Herbs": Leaves: treat carbuncle and swelling.

② "Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Medicines in Shanghai": Whole plant: detoxification, dispelling wind. Treat dysentery, otitis media, tinnitus, deafness, and joint pain.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 0.3-1 liang. For external use: mash and apply.

[Additional prescription] For treating carbuncle and swelling: Mash fresh Ramie leaves with honey and apply it on the affected area. If the swelling is diffuse and has no head, take fresh leaves and brown sugar, mash them and apply it on the affected area. Take one seed orally, twice a day. (Fujian Folk Herbs)