Chinese herb Xishaicao, also known as Feizhucao or Feizhucai, has the effects of clearing damp heat and relieving itching. It is a crucial herb for treating damp heat ulcers, skin rashes, and itching caused by damp toxins. Let's take a closer look at Xishaicao!
【Methods of Consuming Xishaicao】
Raw materials: 50g of Mao Dongqing, 50g of Xishaicao, 1 pair of pig feet, 14 pieces of Chenpi, 4 honey jujubes, 3 slices of ginger.
Procedure:
(1) Wash Mao Dongqing and Xishaicao repeatedly and soak them slightly. Soak Chenpi and remove the pulp. Wash pig feet and cut them in half, then crack them with the back of a knife.
(2) Put the above ingredients and ginger into a clay pot, add 3000ml of water (about 12 bowls of water), bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 3 hours. Add salt to taste. This amount can serve 3-4 people.
Effects: Dispels wind and eliminates dampness, relaxes tendons and activates collaterals, nourishes qi and blood, strengthens bones and tendons.
【Applications of Xishaicao in Herbal Formulas】
1. Combination with Haitongpi
Haitongpi has a bitter and spicy taste, enters the blood division, dispels wind and eliminates dampness, promotes blood circulation and relieves pain, especially in the upper body. Xishaicao dispels wind and eliminates dampness, activates blood circulation and opens collaterals, detoxifies and reduces blood pressure.
The combination of these two herbs has the effects of dispelling wind and eliminating dampness, promoting blood circulation, and lowering blood pressure. It is used for rheumatism, joint and bone pain, bone and joint pain, numbness of limbs, hemiplegia, and sequelae of infantile paralysis.
2. Combination with Weilingxian
Both herbs have the ability to dispel wind, eliminate dampness, and relieve pain. Xishaicao is good at promoting tendons and bones, while Weilingxian is good at promoting collaterals. The combination of these two herbs has more significant effects and can be used for rheumatic joint and bone pain, numbness of limbs, etc.
【Pharmacological Effects of Xishaicao】
1. Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial
The reason why Xishaicao is commonly used as a "rheumatism medicine" in rural areas is mainly due to its anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate inflammation in rheumatic joint diseases.
Xishaicao also has antibacterial effects. It is highly sensitive to Staphylococcus aureus and has inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus albus, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Vibrio cholerae. Therefore, Xishaicao can also be used to treat symptoms of diseases such as malaria and wet sores.
2. Blood Pressure Reduction
Studies have shown that Xishaicao also has a certain vasodilating effect, which can help block vasoconstriction caused by nerve stimulation and thus have a certain blood pressure-lowering effect.
