Biluozi is the fruit of the plant Biluozi, a member of the Vitaceae family. It is a highly valued medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine, known for its ability to relieve exterior symptoms and cough. It can be used to treat conditions such as colds and coughs. The fruit is harvested in autumn when it is ripe and dried for use. Let's take a closer look at the medicinal value of Biluozi.
【Plant Morphology】
Biluozi is a tall tree, reaching up to 7m in height. The buds, young branches, leaf veins on the back, and inflorescences are all covered with long, colored hairs. It has compound leaves, with leaf stalks measuring 1.5-4cm long. The leaf blades are inverted lanceolate or narrowly obovate, measuring 8-25cm long and 2.5-4.5cm wide. The apex is gradually pointed or tapering, and the base is gradually wedge-shaped. The leaves are leathery and covered with rusty soft hairs on the back. There are 9-18 pairs of lateral veins on each side. The flowers are bisexual, with terminal panicles and 3-angled main axis. The sepals are 5 or 4, ovate or nearly circular, and hairy along the margin. The petals are 5, white, with 3 outer ones nearly circular and measuring 2-2.5mm in diameter, and 2 inner ones about half the length of the stamens and 2-cleft. The stamens are about 1.2-1.5mm long. The ovaries are hairless. The fruit is spherical, with a diameter of 5-8mm. The stone is also spherical, slightly oblique, and has raised fine reticulations. It flowers in summer and fruits in September-October.
【Habitat Distribution】
It grows in broad-leaved forests, mountain slopes, riverbanks, and shrubs at altitudes below 1500m. It is distributed in Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Fujian, Taiwan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan, and other regions.
【Identification】
The fruit is spherical, with a diameter of 5-8mm. The stone is also spherical, slightly oblique, and has raised fine reticulations. The dried fruit surface appears brownish-green. It has a slight odor.
【Chemical Composition】
The bark contains 16.0% tannins. The leaves contain 5.7% tannins.
【Properties and Channels】
It has a bitter taste and is neutral in nature. It acts on the lung meridian.
【Functions and Indications】
Biluozi has the functions of relieving exterior symptoms, stopping cough, detoxifying, diuresis, and reducing swelling. It is mainly used to treat colds, coughs, edema, abdominal distension, unidentified swelling, and snake bites.
【Dosage and Administration】
It is taken internally as a decoction, with a dosage of 1-3 qian. For external use, a proper amount of fresh root bark is mashed and applied to the affected area.
【Discussion by Different Schools】
According to "Folk Medicinal Materials of Hunan": It is used to treat coughs, colds, and pain relief.
