Chinese medicine Xu Changqing, also known as Liao Diao Zhu, Xiao Yao Zhu, Yao Shan Zhu. It is a highly valuable Chinese medicine, and both the whole herb and the root can be used medicinally. Let's first understand the efficacy and function of Xu Changqing!
Picture of Xu Changqing
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Xu Changqing has the effect of dispelling wind and dampness, relieving pain and itching. It is mainly used for rheumatism, stomach pain and bloating, toothache, waist pain, bruises, wind rash, and eczema.
Xu Changqing is a perennial herb, about 65 cm tall. The rhizome is short, with numerous fibrous roots. The stem is slender, straight, with long internodes. The leaves are opposite, lanceolate to linear, about 5-14 cm long and 2-8 mm wide;
The apex is pointed, entire margin, slightly reflexed, with marginal hairs, gradually narrowing at the base, and the lower surface has raised midrib. The conical inflorescence is terminal in the leaf axil, the peduncle branches are numerous, and the flower stalks are slender and flexible, with many flowers;
Picture of Xu Changqing
The sepals of Xu Changqing are deeply 5-lobed, ovate-lanceolate, the corolla is deeply 5-lobed, broadly ovate, flat or reflexed, yellow-green; the corona lobes are 5, yellow, fleshy, kidney-shaped, fused with stamens at the base;
There are 5 stamens, connate into a tubular shape, with 2 chambers; 1 pistil, ovary superior, composed of 2 free carpels, 2 styles, and fused stigma. The fruit is achene-like. Numerous silvery white hairs are borne on the apex of the seed. Flowering period is from June to July. Fruiting period is from September to October.
1. "Shen Nong's Herbal Classic": "It treats poison, epidemic diseases, evil qi, warm malaria, and is effective for sudden loss of consciousness, crying, sadness, and confusion."
Picture of Xu Changqing
2. "Essential Characteristics of Medicinal Herbs": "Soak in alcohol to dispel wind and dampness."
3. "Simple Herbal Medicine": "Treats bruises and bone pain caused by falls and injuries."
4. "Pharmaceutical Records of Lingnan": "Treats abdominal distension and appearance of veins in children. Also used for treating dog bites."
5. "Chinese Medicinal Plants": "Treats all types of scrofula and abdominal pain, stomach pain, indigestion, and cholera."
