Dajiu Gu Niu is the rhizome of the plant Polygala tenuifolia, a member of the family Polygalaceae. It is a traditional Chinese medicine known for its heat-clearing and detoxifying properties. Dajiu Gu Niu is mainly harvested in autumn, winter, and spring. After washing and slicing, it can be dried and used. In this article, we will teach you how to correctly use Dajiu Gu Niu.
【Identification of Dajiu Gu Niu】
Dajiu Gu Niu is a shrub, about 1 meter tall, with thick and stout roots and sparse branches covered in white hairs. The leaves are alternate, ovate to elliptical in shape, 3-6.5 cm long and 2-4.5 cm wide, with blunt or slightly pointed tips, rounded bases, and irregular coarse serrations along the edges. There are no stipules.
The flowers are small and white, with separate male and female plants. They form terminal conical inflorescences. The male flowers have cup-shaped calyxes with 4 toothed lobes and 4 lanceolate spatulate petals. The female flowers lack petals but have a ring-like floral disc. There are 2 leaf-like bracts, white in color.
The fruit is flattened and does not split, attached to the middle part of the winged bracts. There is 1 seed, and the flowering period is in autumn.
【Methods of Application of Dajiu Gu Niu】
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Dajiu Gu Niu has the effects of heat-clearing, detoxification, cough suppression, and pain relief. It is commonly used for conditions such as hot cough, mastitis, parotitis, furuncles, and trauma.
"National Compendium of Chinese Herbal Medicine": "Heat-clearing, detoxification, pain relief, cough suppression. It is used for treating hot cough, parotitis, mastitis, and carbuncle."
1. For hot cough: Take 5 grams of Dajiu Gu Niu rhizome (peeled), 2 grams of Xiangling grass, and 2 grams of Wacao. Grind them together into powder, take 2 grams per dose, and take it twice a day.
2. For mastitis, parotitis, furuncles, and abscesses: Take equal amounts of Dajiu Gu Niu, Chonglou, Baiji, Xiaozhiyao, and Wuxiang Xueteng. Grind them into powder and mix with honey or vinegar for external application.
