Stonesilk, also known as Shang Suanou, is the whole herb of the orchid plant Pleione yunnanensis. Stonesilk can be harvested all year round and has the medicinal properties of moistening the lungs, stopping cough, clearing heat, and cooling the blood. Now let's learn about the medicinal value and cultivation methods of stonesilk together!
Medicinal Value of Stonesilk
In traditional Chinese medicine, stonesilk is believed to have the effects of moistening the lungs, stopping cough, clearing heat, and cooling the blood. It is used to treat pulmonary tuberculosis, cough, hemoptysis, whooping cough, bronchitis, and has therapeutic effects on hemoptysis in pulmonary tuberculosis, neurasthenia, loss of appetite, and joint pain.
The most significant effect of stonesilk is its ability to nourish yin and moisten the lungs. It can be soaked in water or boiled. It can prevent and control coughing and difficulty breathing in people with respiratory issues.
For blood-heat problems caused by dryness and heat, stonesilk can also clear heat, detoxify, and cool the blood. It is also effective in stopping bleeding.
When experiencing bleeding such as rectal bleeding or hemoptysis, there is no need to panic. One can drink stonesilk water consistently for 1-3 days to relieve bleeding symptoms. In fact, stonesilk also has the function of improving sleep, especially for those with neurasthenia.
Characteristics of Stonesilk
The whole herb of stonesilk is 10-20 centimeters long. The rhizome is elongated like a silkworm, fleshy, with a diameter of about 3 millimeters. The surface is grayish-yellow with longitudinal wrinkles, distinct nodes, and residual membranous or dried leaf sheaths can be seen.
The roots are short and slightly stout. The leaves are alternate, papery, often rolled up, and become ovate or elliptic after being flattened, 2-5 centimeters long and 1-2 centimeters wide. They are grayish-green or dark red. The leaf stalks elongate into membranous sheaths and clasp the stem.
Sometimes white flowers can be seen in the inflorescence, and the lower part of the inflorescence stalk has membranous bracts. It has a slight aroma, a mild taste, and a slight astringency.
Stonesilk prefers warm temperatures and dislikes high temperature and humidity. The suitable temperature for its growth is 15-25 degrees Celsius. The best soil for cultivation is fertile sandy soil with good drainage and not prone to waterlogging and rotting.
Cultivation Methods of Stonesilk
1. Growth Habit
Stonesilk prefers warm temperatures and dislikes high temperature and humidity. The suitable temperature for its growth is 15-25 degrees Celsius. The best soil for cultivation is fertile sandy soil with good drainage and not prone to waterlogging and rotting.
2. Propagation Methods
It can be propagated by cuttings or rhizomes, or by division. However, for small families, there is no need to collect seeds. Cuttings are sufficient.
3. Soil Planting
Stonesilk does not have strict soil requirements, but fertile soil is most suitable. Since its roots do not penetrate deeply into the soil, deep plowing is not necessary. Apply well-rotted organic fertilizer before land preparation and lightly turn over the soil to create a flat bed.
4. Field Management
Stonesilk has a long growth period, so attention should be paid to intertillage and weeding. In summer, control water and fertilizer to prevent excessive plant growth. When flower buds appear, remove them and the top buds in a timely manner to save nutrients and promote rhizome growth.
