The efficacy and function of raw lacquer

Raw lacquer is one of the common traditional Chinese medicines in our country. The medicinal history of raw lacquer is very long. Many ancient medical books have records of raw lacquer. Raw lacquer has good edible value and medicinal value. Let’s take a look.

[Source] It is the resin of the Toxicodendron sutchuenensis, a plant of the Anacardiaceae family. Harvest from April to May. Cut the bark, collect the overflowing resin, and store it for later use.

【Original morphology】 The plant morphology is detailed in the "Dry Paint" entry.

[Chemical composition] The resin contains 50-80% urushiol and is a mixture of four derivatives of catechol (Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ). Among them, urushiol IV accounts for 50%. Urushiol is toxic and can cause severe blistering and allergic dermatitis on the skin. The resin also contains lacquer blue protein, laccase, phenolase, tannin and gum; the main component of gum is polysaccharides, and it also contains glucuronic acid, galactose and xylose.

[Pharmacological action] For some special people, contact with raw lacquer may cause severe allergic dermatitis.

【Nature and flavor】 Tao Hongjing: "Very poisonous."

【Function and indications】 Treats worm accumulation and water poisoning.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: use raw and make into pills or boil dry and grind into powder for use in pills or powder. For external use: apply.

【Note】 Those with weak constitution and no blood stasis should avoid taking this medicine.

[Additional prescription] ① For the treatment of hookworm disease: Use a rice bag of raw lacquer as big as a soybean, and swallow one grain each time. (Hunan Pharmacopoeia)

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

【Source】From "Ben Jing".

The above is an introduction to raw lacquer. Through this introduction we can understand that raw lacquer has high medicinal value and can effectively relieve many diseases, but remember not to take it indiscriminately.