The Chinese herbal formula "Ji Ye Tu Fang" is used for children with wild sores that start from the knee. What are the medicinal values of the herb Shuo Ze in this formula?
【Prescription】
Dry Jiyeh (powder) 1 liang, Xiangru (powder) 1 liang, Red adzuki beans (powder) 1 liang, Fresh Shuo Ze leaves and stems 1 handful (finely grated).
【Functions and Indications】
Used for children with wild sores that start from the knee.
【Usage and Dosage】
Grind the Shuo Ze into fine powder, mix it with other powdered herbs, make a paste-like mixture, apply it on the sores, and let it dry. Remove it when it is dry. The healing progress determines the duration of the treatment.
【Medicinal Values of Shuo Ze】
1. Used for treating partial cold and weak numbness, slow and heavy pain, or lumbago with spasms and heavy numbness: Burn the Shuo Ze leaves, place them thickly on a bed, and lie on them to generate heat. Repeat the process of heating and cooling. In winter, use the root; in spring, use the stems. Boil them and lie on them for the best effect. Other methods, such as thin ironing or steaming, are not as effective as the Shuo Ze method. This method is also used for treating various wind-damp conditions. (From "Qian Jin Fang")
2. Used for treating edema, inability to sit or lie down, and swelling of the head, face, and body: Scrape the skin off the Shuo Ze root, pound it into juice, mix it with an equal amount of wine, warm it up, and take it on an empty stomach. It will induce slight vomiting and bowel movement. (From "Mei Shi Ji Yan Fang")
3. Used for treating early-stage athlete's foot, with swelling and pain starting from the foot and extending to the knee and shin bone: Crush the Shuo Ze root, mix it with three parts of wine lees, and steam it until hot. Apply the hot mixture on the swollen area and wrap it tightly. Do this twice a day. It is also effective for treating numb and stubborn numbness. (From "Qian Jin Fang")
4. Used for treating nephritis edema and edema caused by athlete's foot: Take 4 to 8 qian (about 12 to 24 grams) of the whole Shuo Ze plant, decoct it in water and drink the decoction. (From "Common Herbal Medicine Manual of Guangzhou Troops")
5. Used for treating abnormal vaginal discharge in women: Take fresh Shuo Ze root, 3 liang each time. Stew it with pig intestines and consume it for three to five times. (From "Quanzhou Materia Medica")
6. Used for treating pain from bruises and fractures: Take 6 qian (about 18 grams) of Shuo Ze root, decoct it in a mixture of half wine and half water, filter out the residue, add one liang (about 30 grams) of white sugar, mix well, and consume it. (From "Folk Herbal Medicine of Jiangxi")
