Gangban Gui is a highly valued traditional Chinese medicine, and its entire plant can be used medicinally to treat diseases such as nephritis and herpes zoster. So, what diseases does Gangban Gui have a better therapeutic effect on?
【Morphological characteristics of Gangban Gui】
Gangban Gui is the above-ground part of the Polygonaceae plant Gangban Gui. It is irregularly segmented, with slightly four-sided stems, purple-red or purple-brown in color, with ridges and inverted hook thorns. The cross-section is yellowish-white, with marrow or hollow.
The leaves are alternate, and the leaf blades are wrinkled. The complete leaf blades are shield-shaped, gray-green to reddish-brown, with inverted hooked thorns on the lower leaf veins and petioles. There are short spike-like inflorescences at the top, and the flowers are small.
The short spike-like inflorescences are terminal or axillary in the upper leaf axils, and the flowers are small, mostly pentamerous. The sepals are 5-lobed, white or pale purple, ovoid in shape, not fully expanded, and increase and become fleshy with the fruit.
The achene is spherical, dark brown, glossy, and enclosed in a blue perianth. The flowering period is from June to August, and the fruiting period is from September to October. The scent is faint, the stem taste is mild, and the leaf taste is sour.
【Efficacy and function of Gangban Gui】
1. Expectorant and cough suppressant
Gangban Gui is a traditional Chinese medicine that can expectorate phlegm and suppress cough. It is acidic and cooling, and can eliminate inflammation in the lungs and bronchi. It can also dilate the bronchi and promote the discharge of phlegm, keeping the respiratory system unobstructed and relieving symptoms such as cough, excessive phlegm, and lung dryness.
2. Analgesic and anti-itch
Gangban Gui has strong antiviral ability and can relieve pain and itching. It can prevent skin inflammation and can be directly applied to the affected area when there is dermatitis, herpes zoster, or skin itching, quickly alleviating the symptoms.
【Treatment methods of Gangban Gui】
1. Treatment for edema
Gangban Gui is a traditional Chinese medicine that can eliminate edema. When the body experiences edema, it can be directly used for treatment.
Treatment needs to be combined with other traditional Chinese medicines that can promote diuresis and reduce edema. The specific formula is 3 qian (about 9 grams) of Gangban Gui, 5 qian (about 15 grams) of Leigongteng, 4 qian (about 12 grams) of Cheqiancao and Tianqing Di Bai Cao, and 5 pieces of Lulu Tong. Soak all the traditional Chinese medicines in water and put them in a clay pot for decoction.
2. Gangban Gui can treat eczema
Eczema is a stubborn skin disease. Gangban Gui can be used for treatment when it occurs. You can take 2 liang (about 60 grams) of Gangban Gui, decoct it with water, and then take it orally. You can also directly apply the medicinal liquid obtained from decocting Gangban Gui to the affected area, which can quickly relieve pain and itching.
