Mountain Huanghua is a perennial herbaceous plant, reaching a height of 15-20cm. It is also used as a medicinal material, known for its ability to clear heat, resolve phlegm, relieve pain, and lower blood pressure.
Mountain Huanghua image
【Origin of Mountain Huanghua】
Mountain Huanghua refers to the flowers and fruits of the leguminous plant Mountain Huanghua.
【Plant Morphology of Mountain Huanghua】
Mountain Huanghua is a perennial herbaceous plant, reaching a height of 15-30cm. The stem is erect and covered with spreading long hairs.
The leaflets are in threes, elongated obovate in shape, measuring 2-4cm in length and approximately 0.8-1.2cm in width. The apex is acute, the base gradually narrows, the upper surface becomes hairless, and the lower surface is densely covered with spreading long hairs. The stipules are broadly ovate.
The flowers are yellow, measuring 2.2-2.6cm in length, arranged in whorls, with 2-3 flowers per whorl. The calyx is bell-shaped, with lanceolate teeth in the lower part and triangular teeth in the upper part, densely covered with spreading long hairs.
The pods are elongated obovate to broadly lanceolate, measuring 3-6cm in length and 1.5cm in width, covered with soft hairs. There are 4-8 seeds. The flowering period is from May to June.
It grows in the mountains and wild fields. It is distributed in Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Yunnan, Tibet, and other regions.
The root of this plant (Mountain Huanghua root) is also used as a medicinal material, which will be detailed in a separate article.
【Collection of Mountain Huanghua】
It is collected from June to September.
【Chemical Components of Mountain Huanghua】
The aboveground parts contain Huanghua alkaloids and Crocus alkaloids. The leaves contain 3.36% flavonoids during the flowering period.
【Pharmacological Effects of Mountain Huanghua】
Crocus alkaloids have a similar effect to nicotine, initially stimulating and then inhibiting the plant's nerve ganglia. Its effect on sympathetic ganglia is more pronounced than nicotine. The lethal dose of Huanghua alkaloids for mice is 0.00125g/20g body weight (the original text does not specify), and the minimum toxic dose is 0.0005g.
【Properties and Taste of Mountain Huanghua】
It has a cold nature, bitter taste, and slight toxicity.
【Functions and Indications of Mountain Huanghua】
It extinguishes wind and calms convulsions. It is mainly used to treat rabies.
【Administration and Dosage of Mountain Huanghua】
Internal use: Decoction, 1-3 qian (3-9 grams).
