Chinese herbal medicine Xishaicao mainly grows in warm and humid places such as slopes, roadsides, and wastelands. It is mainly used for rheumatism, lumbago and weakness, and other diseases. It has the effects of dispelling wind and dampness, promoting joint mobility, and detoxification. So what is the prescription for Xishaicao to treat sequelae of stroke?
【Prescription for Xishaicao to treat sequelae of stroke】
It is used for rheumatism, specifically rheumatoid arthritis. Xishaicao has the effects of dispelling wind and dampness, promoting blood circulation, and improving joint mobility. It is often used together with Danggui, Wujiapi, Haifengteng, and can also be used alone, steamed with alcohol and then made into pills with honey.
It is used for sequelae of stroke, hemiplegia, numbness of limbs. Xishaicao can promote blood circulation and regulate qi and blood. It is often used together with Huangqi, Danggui, Dilong, etc.
Effects of Xishaicao:
Taste: pungent, bitter, cold.
Meridians: liver meridian, kidney meridian.
Functions of Xishaicao:
Dispels wind and dampness, promotes joint mobility, detoxifies. It is used for rheumatism, weakness of bones and tendons, lumbago and weakness, paralysis of limbs, hemiplegia, wind rashes, and damp sores.
【Characteristics of Xishaicao】
The stems of this herb are slightly square-shaped, with multiple branches, 30-110cm long and 0.3-1cm in diameter. The surface is gray-green, yellow-brown, or purple-brown, with longitudinal grooves and fine longitudinal lines, covered with gray soft hairs. The nodes are obvious and slightly swollen.
The texture is brittle and easily broken. The cross-section is yellow-white or green, with a broad marrow-like white center, and is hollow.
The leaves are opposite, with wrinkled and curled leaflets. After being flattened, they are ovoid in shape, gray-green, with blunt serrations on the edges, and white soft hairs on both sides. The main veins are 3. Some may have yellow head-like inflorescences, and the bracts are spoon-shaped. It has a slight aroma and a slightly bitter taste.
【Usage and Taboos of Xishaicao】
Suitable for consumption: Xishaicao is suitable for people with rheumatism, weak bones and tendons, lumbago and weakness, stroke, facial paralysis, hemiplegia, wind rashes, damp sores, insect and animal bites, malaria, jaundice, and other conditions. It is particularly suitable for patients with rheumatic diseases characterized by damp heat.
Not suitable for consumption: Those without rheumatism should be cautious in taking it.
Chinese medicine advice: Xishaicao should be used raw for clearing heat and detoxification, while processed forms are suitable for dispelling wind and dampness and promoting blood circulation. It is best to store it in a well-ventilated and dry place to avoid mold affecting its efficacy.
