The efficacy and function of Shengdeng

When it comes to Shengdeng, we are all familiar with it. Shengdeng is not only edible but also has very high medicinal effects. Eating Shengdeng regularly can play a very good health-preserving and health-care role.

[Other names] Shengdeng, Sendeng

[Source] The source of the medicinal material: the wood of the Rhamnaceae plant Tibetan cat milk.

[Original form] Tibetan cat milk, shrub, 2m high. Young branches green, glabrous or pubescent; old branches dark brown. Leaves are alternate; petioles are 2-4mm long and without begs; stipules are narrowly lanceolate and fall off early; leaf blades are papery, elliptic or lanceolate-elliptic, 2-5cm long, 1-2cm wide, with acute apex, nearly rounded or broadly cuneate base, widest in the middle, with inconspicuous serrations on the margins, or serrations above the middle, green above, gray-green below, glabrous on both sides, with 4-5 pairs of lateral veins. Flowers 2-4 clustered in leaf axils or arranged in cymes with short peduncles, glabrous. The drupe is nearly cylindrical, about 8mm long and 3-4mm in diameter, with a residual style at the tip, and is orange-red when ripe; the fruit stalk is 3-4mm long. Flowering period is May to July, and fruiting period is September.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Growing in mountain thickets or forests at an altitude of 2600-2900m.

[Properties] The wood is in strips and blocks with different sizes and lengths, generally 60-70cm long and 2-5cm wide. The surface is brown-yellow with some black-brown, and has straight textures and knife marks. The texture is hard, with concentric rings visible on the cross section, and dark brown pith visible in some cases. The heart is light and the taste is bland.

【Nature and flavor】 Slightly bitter; cool in nature

【Functions and indications】 Dispel wind and dampness; reduce swelling and heal sores. Mainly rheumatoid arthritis; jaundice; leprosy; high altitude polycythemia

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 9-15g; or made into ointment, 1.5-3g. For external use: Take appropriate amount and make into ointment for application.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Based on the above description of Shengdeng, it can be seen that Shengdeng has many benefits to the human body, and there are many ways and uses for it. The pharmacological effects of Shengdeng can be used to treat corresponding diseases.