Four-leafed clover is the whole herb of the plant Four-leafed clover in the Primulaceae family. It is harvested in summer and can be used fresh or dried. It has the effects of dispelling wind, dispersing cold, promoting blood circulation, and detoxification. Let's learn more about four-leafed clover!
【Morphological Characteristics of Four-leafed Clover】
Four-leafed clover is an annual or biennial herb, without hairs. It has clustered stems, branches, and four edges, reaching a height of 10-30 cm, slightly pale green-white.
The leaves are opposite; petioleless and sheathing; leaf blade ovate to narrow ovate, measuring 1-2.5 cm in length and 5-15 mm in width, with a pointed or slightly blunt apex, rounded base, entire margin, and papery texture.
The flowers are solitary in the leaf axils; peduncle is 2-3 cm long, without bracts; calyx lobes are 5, linear-lanceolate, 4-6 mm long, sharply pointed;
The corolla is radial, 4-6 mm long, light red, with obovate lobes, entire or with slightly serrated apices, and glandular marginal hairs.
The capsule is spherical, about 4 mm in diameter. The seeds are dark brown, densely covered with wart-like protrusions. It flowers from March to May.
【Medicinal Effects of Four-leafed Clover】
Four-leafed clover has the effects of dispelling wind, dispersing cold, promoting blood circulation, and detoxification. It is mainly used to treat rheumatism, yin deficiency sores, snake bites, and rabid dog bites.
"Compilation of Chinese Medicinal Herbs": "Dispels wind, promotes meridian circulation, and generates flesh. Treats yin deficiency sores and rheumatism."
Dosage: Internal use: decoction, 9-15g, fresh herb 15-30g; or pounded juice. External use: appropriate amount, apply crushed fresh herb.
Clinical applications: It is used to treat snake bites or rabid dog bites by internally taking the juice and applying the residue to the affected area. It is also used to treat yin deficiency sores and rheumatism.
One ounce of fresh herb of four-leafed clover, one green-shelled duck egg, half of each of alcohol and water, stew and take orally. Crush the whole herb and apply it externally.
Only certain parts of its extract have antifungal effects.
