Tianpeng grass, also known as Xuelihua, Hancao, and Quezhicao, is the whole plant of the Caryophyllaceae plant Quezhicao. It has high medicinal value and below we will learn about the efficacy and functions of Tianpeng grass!
【Morphological characteristics of Tianpeng grass】
Quezhicao is a perennial herb. The stem is slender, lying flat at the bottom, with sparse branches at the top, 15-30 cm tall, green or purple.
Leaves are opposite, sessile, oblong or lanceolate, 5-20 mm long, 2-8 mm wide, pointed at both ends, with golden or shallow wavy edges.
Umbels are terminal or axillary, with white flowers. The flower stalks are slender like silk. The sepals are lanceolate, with pointed ends and smooth membranous edges.
The petals are 5, about the same length or slightly shorter than the sepals, with 2 deep clefts reaching the base. There are 5 stamens and 2-3 styles. The capsule is slightly longer than the persistent sepals, and splits into 6 segments when mature.
Flowering period is in spring. It grows in fields, stream banks, or wet areas. It is distributed in most parts of China.
【Medical uses of Tianpeng grass】
Tianpeng grass has a good effect on ulcers. For example, for the treatment of hemorrhoids, Tianpeng grass can be powdered, mixed with water for wet application or mixed with sesame oil for dry application, which can shrink the hemorrhoids. For the treatment of boils, a suitable amount of fresh Tianpeng grass can be mashed with a little salt and applied to the affected area.
Tianpeng grass also has an effect on rheumatic bone pain, contusions, and fractures. It can be decocted with 10 grams of Tianpeng grass and 30 grams of yellow wine, or mashed and applied externally to the affected area.
Tianpeng grass has detoxifying effects. For example, for the treatment of abscesses and swellings, Tianpeng grass can be decocted and mashed for external application. For the treatment of snake bites, 10-20 grams of Tianpeng grass can be decocted and taken orally, and another handful can be washed and mashed to apply to the wound.
Tianpeng grass also has hemostatic effects. It can be decocted and taken internally in case of hemoptysis, bleeding, or external bleeding, and can also be mashed and applied externally.
【Medicinal formulas using Tianpeng grass】
For treating colds: 2 liang of Quezhicao, half a liang of brown sugar. Decoct with water, take twice a day, and cover with a blanket to induce slight sweating after taking the medicine.
For treating diarrhea: 2 liang of Quezhicao, decoct with water, take twice a day.
For treating hemorrhoids: Powder Tianpeng grass, mix with sesame oil for dry application. The hemorrhoids will shrink after one or two applications.
For treating boils: Use fresh Tianpeng grass according to personal condition, mash it with a little salt, and apply it to the affected area.
For treating contusions: 1-2 liang of Tianpeng grass, 2-4 liang of yellow wine, decoct with water according to personal condition and take orally.
For treating snake bites: 1-2 liang of Tianpeng grass, decoct with water and take orally. Wash and mash another handful, and apply it to the wound.
