Hezhang grass is produced in Guizhou and Yunnan, growing on mountain slopes, in ditches, or in grasslands. It is harvested in summer and autumn, washed, and dried. It is mainly used to treat heat and detoxification. Let's take a look at its specific plant morphology and habitat distribution with the editor!
[Aliases] He Ye (Red River Herbal Medicine), Wu Shi He, Dui Shi Jie Gu Cao (Guizhou Medicinal Plant Catalogue).
[Source] Hezhang grass is the whole plant of the herbaceous plant Lycopodium clavatum.
[Plant morphology] Herbaceous plant Lycopodium clavatum
Perennial subshrub. The stem is upright, 30-50 cm tall, with many branches, and the young branches are covered with long white hairs.
The leaves are opposite, ovate, 1.5-2 cm long, 1-1.5 cm wide, with a rounded or slightly concave apex and a shallow cordate base. The leaf margin is entire, and both sides are covered with white hairs, mainly on the leaf veins and edges, with only the midrib obvious on the back of the leaf;
Almost without petioles. The flowers are 2-4, lateral, about 1 cm above the leaf axil, covered by opposite leaves, symmetrical in green and white.
Growing in sparse forest grasslands on hillsides. Distributed in Yunnan, Guizhou and other places.
[Collection] Harvest in summer and autumn. Wash and dry.
[Properties and tastes] "Bitter and astringent, cool" (Red River Herbal Medicine).
[Functions and indications] ① "Clears heat and detoxifies" (Red River Herbal Medicine).
② "Nourishes yin and stops sweating, mends bones. Treats night sweats and fractures" (Guizhou Medicinal Plant Catalogue).
[Prescription] ① For treating pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and lymphadenitis: Take 9 grams of Hezhang grass and decoct for oral administration.
② For treating stomach pain, cold and fever, and redness and swelling of sores: Take 9 grams of Hezhang grass and decoct for oral administration.
③ For treating external bleeding from injuries: Take an appropriate amount of Hezhang grass, grind it into powder, and apply it externally. (Prescriptions from Red River Herbal Medicine)
