Chinese medicine Bairucao, also known as Shilongcao, Yindouyao, Baidaiyao, and Baimafeng, is derived from the rhizome or whole plant of the fern family plant Psilotum nudum. It is used to treat wind-toxin sores, itching, and damp eczema.
Image of Bairucao
Plant morphology of Bairucao
The plant is 8-22cm tall. The rhizome grows horizontally, covered with rust-red, linear lanceolate scales and white soft hairs at the base of the leaf stalk.
The leaves are clustered; the leaf stalks are wiry, hard, 5-10cm long, chestnut-colored, and densely covered with light brown long soft hairs from the base upwards;
The leaf blades are thick, papery, lanceolate, 5-15cm long, 1.5-4cm wide, with the largest lobes at the apex, up to 3cm long, pinnate;
There are 3-11 pairs of lobes, alternate, ovate or elongate ovate, with a heart-shaped base, asymmetrical, sometimes with small ear-like protrusions;
Blunt at the apex, with a short stalk at the base, entire margin, dark green surface, sparsely covered with soft hairs, and densely covered with rusty soft hairs on the back.
Sporangia are linear, borne on both sides of the lateral veins, hidden among the soft hairs; no sporangial cover.
Medicinal use of Bairucao
Main functions: Detoxification; drying dampness and relieving itching. It is used to treat wind-toxin sores, itching, damp eczema, and abnormal vaginal discharge.
Usage: Internal use: decoct 9-15g of rhizome. External use: appropriate amount of whole plant, boiled in water for washing.
