Chishang San is a traditional Chinese medicine that has the effects of clearing heat, detoxification, promoting blood circulation, and reducing swelling. It is mainly used for the treatment of injuries caused by falls and blows. Let's learn more about the effects and cultivation methods of Chishang San.
Chishang San belongs to the Polygonaceae family and is a perennial herbaceous plant. It forms clusters and has a head-shaped inflorescence. Chishang San prefers sunlight but can also tolerate shade. It is resistant to cold and can thrive in infertile soil.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Chishang San has the effects of clearing heat, detoxification, promoting blood circulation, and reducing swelling. It is used to treat dysentery, abnormal vaginal discharge, headaches caused by blood heat, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, breast abscess, and injuries caused by falls and blows.
Chishang San is not only used as ground cover but also used in modern Chinese-style gardens to enhance the Chinese aesthetic.
The flowers and leaves of Chishang San have unique markings. In spring, the young branches, petioles, and leaf veins are purplish-red. In summer, the mature leaves are green with rust-red spots in the center and pale purplish-red edges.
Apart from its color, Chishang San has a distinctive feature: a pair of rounded ears at the base of the leaves, with purple-black patterns on top.
Chishang San is mostly a wild plant, similar to another Polygonaceae plant called Huo Tan Mu. However, Chishang San has been increasingly used in gardens in recent years. It prefers shade and moisture, and can withstand cold temperatures. It is best planted in loose, fertile, well-drained soil.
Chishang San can be propagated through division and seeds, with division being the main method. From late winter to early spring, before the plant emerges, dig up the rhizomes and divide them into individual plants, each with buds and roots. When planting, turn the soil and create ridges that are 1.3 meters wide, with rows and plant spacing of about 33 centimeters.
Plant 2 plants per hole and tamp the soil firmly. Apply animal manure water and wood ash, and finally cover with fine soil to level with the ridge surface.
After planting, cultivate and weed three times a year. The first weeding should be done after the plant emerges in March, the second in June or July, and the third when the plant withers in winter. For the first and second fertilization, animal manure water is the main fertilizer, while wood ash or compost can be applied for the third fertilization.
