Chinese herb "Gang Ban Gui" refers to the above-ground parts of the Polygonum aviculare plant. It is mainly produced in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan, Hunan, and Guizhou. Gang Ban Gui is effective in treating nephritis edema. So what does Gang Ban Gui look like in its original form?
Image of Gang Ban Gui
【Treatment of Nephritis Edema with Gang Ban Gui】
Recommended dosage: 18.8-37.5 grams for dried Gang Ban Gui, 37.5-112.5 grams for fresh Gang Ban Gui, decocted and taken orally.
Precautions: Do not take excessive doses for a prolonged period of time.
Efficiency of Gang Ban Gui:
Slightly cold in nature, with a sour taste.
Functions of Gang Ban Gui:
Used to promote diuresis and reduce swelling, clear heat and detoxify, and relieve cough. It is commonly used for nephritis edema, whooping cough, diarrhea, eczema, boils, and snake bites.
Image of Gang Ban Gui
【The Original Form of Gang Ban Gui】
Gang Ban Gui is a perennial herb of the Polygonum family. The stem is ridged and reddish-brown, with downward-facing hooks.
The leaves are opposite, shield-shaped; leaf blades are nearly triangular, 4-6cm long and 5-8cm wide, with pointed tips and nearly heart-shaped or truncate bases. The lower surface of the leaves has sparse hooked thorns along the veins. The leaf sheath is nearly circular and clasping the stem. The leaf stalk is long, with sparse downward-facing hooked thorns.
The inflorescence is short and spike-like; the bracts are round; the perianth is deeply divided into 5 lobes, pale pink or white, and becomes larger and fleshy and turns deep blue when it matures; there are 8 stamens; the pistil is 3-cleft.
The fruit is spherical and enclosed within the juicy blue perianth. The flowering period is from June to August, and the fruiting period is from September to October.
