Sour vine wood refers to the branches, leaves, or roots of the plant Acid Vine, which belongs to the Rubiaceae family. The fruit of Acid Vine is called Acid Vine Fruit in traditional Chinese medicine. Both Sour vine wood and Acid Vine Fruit have the effect of clearing heat and stopping bleeding. Let's learn more about the efficacy and functions of Sour vine wood below!
【Efficacy and Functions of Sour Vine Wood】
1. "Lu Chuan Ben Cao": Has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can be used to treat oral inflammation, pharyngitis, gingivitis, ulcers, etc. It can also counteract the toxicity of Camellia sinensis, Mu Ru, and Croton tiglium.
2. "Nanning Pharmaceutical Chronicle": Has insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties. It can be externally used to treat bruises, poisonous sores, and ulcerated wounds. Internally, it can be used to treat internal and external hemorrhoids (and for external washing), sore throat, and foot pain (caused by dog bites).
3. "Common Chinese Herbal Medicine Manual of Guangzhou Troops": Can promote blood circulation, relieve pain, and have astringent and antidiarrheal effects. It can be used to treat bruises, enteritis with diarrhea, and throat swelling and pain.
【Identification Characteristics】
The leaves are often curled, and when flattened, they are inversely ovate to elliptical, measuring 3-5.5cm in length and 1-2.5cm in width. The apex is blunt or slightly concave, and the base is wedge-shaped. The margin is entire, and the lateral veins are not obvious.
The petiole is short, measuring 5-3mm in length. Sometimes, small cylindrical branches can be seen, varying in length, and purplish-brown in color. The odor is faint, and the taste is sour.
Sour vine wood can be harvested all year round. It can be used fresh or dried after being washed and cut into sections. The fruit is globular, with a diameter of about 5mm, and the glandular dots are not obvious. The flowering period is from December to March of the following year, and the fruiting period is from April to June.
【Usage of Sour Vine Wood】
1. For treating tinea capitis in children: Take 1.5g of sour vine wood roots, decoct with water to make a concentrated solution, and wash the affected area with warm water twice a day. Continue for 3 days.
2. For treating prolapse of the anus or uterus: Take 30g of sour vine wood roots, 15g of castor bean roots, 25g of Le Lu roots (roots of a plant called "Luo Dou" in Chinese), and an appropriate amount of chicken meat according to personal situation. Cook together and take orally.
Sour vine wood can be used internally as a medicinal herb. The method of consumption is to decoct the herb, remove the residue, and drink the medicinal juice. The daily dosage is 9-15g.
If it is for external use only, take an appropriate amount of the herb, crush it, and apply it to the affected area. Alternatively, boil it and use the liquid to wash the affected area or the body. It can also be used for gargling.
