Shengma is a commonly used Chinese medicinal herb that has the effects of clearing heat and detoxification. In addition to its medicinal uses, Shengma also has good culinary value. Let's learn about the efficacy, functions, and contraindications of Shengma!
【Efficacy and Functions of Shengma】
1. Promoting eruption of rashes
It is used in the early stage of measles to promote the eruption of rashes. It is often used in combination with kudzu root to enhance the eruption power.
2. Clearing heat and detoxification
This herb is good at clearing heat and toxins from the Yangming meridian. It is used for conditions such as toothache due to stomach heat, oral ulcers, and itchy skin rashes. It can be used in combination with gypsum and coptis, such as in the prescription Qingwei San.
3. Promoting Yang and lifting sinking
It is used for conditions of deficient qi and fatigue with sinking of the spleen and stomach, diarrhea, prolapse of the anus, and uterine prolapse. It is often used in combination with bupleurum, ginseng, and astragalus.
【Methods of Consuming Shengma】
1. Shengma and sesame stewed pig intestines
Ingredients: 600g pig intestines, 15g Shengma, 100g black sesame, 10g scallion, 8g ginger, 2g salt, 5g Huangjiu (yellow wine).
Method: Stuff Shengma and black sesame into the cleaned pig intestines and tie both ends tightly. Put them into a clay pot, add scallion segments, ginger slices, salt, Huangjiu, and an appropriate amount of water. Stew over low heat for 3 hours until the pig intestines are fully cooked.
Efficacy: Tonifying the middle energizer and nourishing the intestines. Suitable for conditions such as excessive sweating, uterine prolapse, and constipation.
2. Ginseng and Shengma congee
Ingredients: 30g glutinous rice, 10g ginseng, 3g Shengma
Method: Decoct ginseng and Shengma in water to obtain the liquid, then cook it with glutinous rice to make congee.
Efficacy: Tonifying qi and nourishing blood, promoting Yang and lifting sinking. Suitable for conditions such as excessive menstruation due to qi deficiency, prolonged menstruation, pale color and thin texture, pale complexion, shortness of breath, lazy speech, palpitations, weakness of limbs, etc.
【Contraindications of Shengma】
It should not be used in cases of excessive Yang and deficient Yin, Yin deficiency with excessive fire, and measles with full eruption.
It should be avoided in cases of bleeding from vomiting or nosebleeds, cough with excessive phlegm, Yin deficiency with hyperactivity of fire, deficiency of the kidney meridian, and reversed qi with vomiting, palpitations, and mania.
It is contraindicated in early-stage typhoid fever with Taiyang syndrome, visible rashes, deficiency of the lower energizer, Yin deficiency with fire, and the combination of these four conditions.
Shengma contains toxic components mainly Shengma alkaloids. Excessive intake can lead to toxic reactions, primarily irritation of the digestive tract mucosa. In severe cases, it can inhibit the respiratory center.
Symptoms of poisoning: It can cause gastroenteritis, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing, delirium, headache, tremor, and stiffening of the limbs.
Rescue measures: In the early stage, induce vomiting, gastric lavage, and administer laxatives. Oral administration of activated charcoal. Infusion to dilute the toxin. For breathing difficulties, administer respiratory stimulants such as ephedrine and lobeline.
