Shi Can, also known as Shi Shang Ou or Zhen Jin Cao, is a perennial erect herbaceous plant that grows to a height of 50-125 centimeters. The lower part of the stem is hairless, while the upper part has downward-facing hairs on the edges and nodes. What are the geographical distribution and medicinal value of Shi Can? What does it look like? Let's find out together!
Picture of Shi Can
Medicinal Characteristics
The entire plant is 10-20 cm long. The rhizome elongates and resembles a silkworm, with a fleshy texture and a diameter of about 3 mm. The surface is grayish-yellow with longitudinal wrinkles, and the nodes are distinct, with remnants of membranous or dried leaf sheaths.
The roots are short and slightly stout, covered with fine hair-like root hairs.
The leaves are opposite, papery, often curled, and become ovate-elliptic in shape when flattened. They are 2-5 cm long and 1-2 cm wide, with a grayish-green or dark red color. The leaf stalk elongates into a membranous sheath that clasps the stem. It has a slight aroma and a mild, slightly astringent taste.
Flavor and Nature
It has a sweet taste and a cool nature.
Meridians Entered
It enters the lungs and spleen meridians.
Functions and Indications
It nourishes yin and moistens the lungs, cools the blood, and stops bleeding. It is used for pulmonary tuberculosis with hemoptysis and neurasthenia.
Dosage and Administration
Oral administration: Decoction, 1-3 qian (fresh product: 3-5 qian).
