The efficacy and function of wild taro

As a traditional Chinese medicine, wild taro provides us with a variety of nutrients. It can also solve some diseases encountered by the body, so it is deeply loved by people. Let’s take a look at the nutrients and benefits of wild taro.

[Other names] Water taro, elephant ear taro, Taibanqi, Taibanjiao, dripping taro

[Source] Medicinal material source: The rhizome of the Araceae plant Colocasia esculenta.

[Original form] Taro, perennial herb. The rhizome is erect, inverted conical, 3-9cm thick and 5-10cm long. Leaves are clustered; petioles are light green with white powder, up to 1.5m long, the lower 1/2 is sheath-shaped and closed; leaf blades are shield-shaped, attached, oblong-cordate or ovate-cordate, up to 1.3m long and 1m wide, with wavy edges and rounded lobes at the base. The inflorescence stalk is nearly cylindrical, with 5-8 petioles usually arranged side by side in the same petiole sheath, emerging one after another, 30-80cm long and 1-2cm thick. Each inflorescence stalk is surrounded by a scale leaf; the scale leaf is membranous, lanceolate, acuminate, nearly equal in length to the inflorescence stalk, with two ridges on the back. The spathe is 12-24cm long; the tube is green, elliptical, 3-6cm long, 1.5-2cm thick, and sweeping; the eaves are 8-19cm long, pink-white, oblong or elliptical-oblong, with a cup-shaped base, spreading out in a boat-shaped manner, and erect; the spadix is ​​9-12cm long, and the female inflorescence is conical, cream-yellow, and truncated at the base; the sterile male flowers are prismatic, with 4 stamens, and the anther locules are 1-2cm thick; the fertile male inflorescence is 5-14cm long, the male flowers are prismatic, with 4 stamens, and the anther locules are oblong; the appendages are very small and conical. The berry is cylindrical, 5mm long; the seeds are numerous, fusiform, and have several distinct longitudinal ridges. The flowering period is from April to June, and the fruit matures in September.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in gully areas at an altitude of 100-700m, especially in limestone areas.

【Functions and indications】Detoxification; reducing swelling and relieving pain. Mainly used for sores, swellings, injuries from falls, snake and insect bites

【Usage and Dosage】 For external use: appropriate amount, crush the fresh product and apply it.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Through the introduction in this article, we can learn some relevant knowledge about wild taro. Whether from the perspective of food health or traditional Chinese medicine, the role of wild taro cannot be underestimated.