The efficacy and function of mountain hemp root

Shanma root is a famous traditional commonly used Chinese medicinal material in my country with a long history of application. Today we will learn about the root of mountain hemp.

[Other name] Turtle leaf hemp root

[Source] Medicinal material source: The root of the ramie leaf of the Urticaceae plant.

[Original form] Perennial herb, 40-90cm tall. The stem is erect, several stems growing in clusters, unbranched, with 4 obtuse edges, usually reddish, and sparsely covered with short procumbent hairs on the upper part. Leaves opposite; petiole 1-8cm long; leaf blade herbaceous, ovate or broadly ovate, 3.5-13cm long, 3-12cm wide, apex 3 or 5 cusps or 3 shallow lobes, sometimes long acuminate in the upper leaves, base broadly cuneate, margin coarsely dentate, sparsely short hairs above, nearly glabrous below; basal veins 3. Monoecious or dioecious; inflorescence spike-shaped, axillary, slender; male inflorescences grow in the lower leaf axils when on the same plant, with 4-5 male tepals, pale yellowish white, and 4-5 stamens; female inflorescences grow in the upper middle leaf axils when on the same plant, with small female flowers, tubular tepals, pale red, linear styles, up to 2mm long, persistent. Achenes are obovate, about 1 mm long, with fine soft hairs on the upper part. The flowering period is from June to August, and the fruiting period is from August to October.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: grows under forests or in ditch-side grasslands.

[Properties] Identification of properties: The root is cylindrical, slightly curved, with a diameter of 1-2 cm. The surface is dark red, with many dot-like protrusions and root marks. It is hard in texture, brown-white in cross section, and has fine radial texture. Slightly sticky when soaked in water. It has a faint smell and tastes slightly spicy, bitter and astringent.

[Chemical composition] The root of ramie contains emodin, physcion, β-sitosterol, β-sitosteryl-β-D-glucoside, ursolic acid, 19α-hydroxyursolic acid; it also contains long-chain saturated fatty acids with 16 to 22 carbon atoms such as arachidic acid and behenic acid, a hydroxy fatty acid ester and two unsaturated fatty alcohols.

【Nature and flavor】 slightly bitter; pungent; neutral

【Functions and indications】Promote blood circulation and stop bleeding; detoxify and reduce swelling. Mainly used for traumatic injuries; miscarriage bleeding; hemorrhoidal swelling and pain; furunculosis

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 6-15g; or soaked in wine. For external use: take appropriate amount of fresh product, mash it and apply it; or boil it in water and use for washing.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Therefore, through the detailed introduction of the Chinese medicine shanma root in the above article, it is not difficult to find that shanma root has many effects and functions, and its effect in health care is still very good.