Huafengchezi, a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the root or leaf of the plant Huafengchezi, which belongs to the family of the genus Saussurea. It has the effects of clearing heat, promoting bile secretion (root), and expelling parasites (leaf). It is used for jaundice hepatitis (root) and worm diseases such as ascariasis and trichuriasis (leaf). The fresh leaves can also be applied externally to treat burns and scalds.
Plant Morphology of Huafengchezi
The original form is a vine-like shrub. The small branches are nearly square, gray-brown, densely covered with rust-colored hairs and orange-yellow scales, which fall off when old.
The leaves are nearly opposite, thin and leathery, elongated elliptical. The veins on the underside of the leaves are prominent, covered with short soft hairs. The spike-like inflorescences are axillary; the flowers are small, white, with coarse golden hairs in the center of the flower.
The fruit is nearly round or pear-shaped, with 4 wings, papery, with horizontal stripes, shiny, and turns red when ripe. The flowering period is early summer.
Habitat Distribution of Huafengchezi
It grows in shrubs at the foot of the mountains or bamboo forests near villages. It is distributed in Guangxi, Guangdong, Jiangxi, and Hunan provinces.
Efficacy and Functions of Huafengchezi
Taste and nature: Sweet and slightly bitter, neutral in nature.
Main functions: Strengthening the stomach and expelling parasites. It is used to treat worm diseases such as ascariasis and trichuriasis.
Usage and Dosage of Huafengchezi
Internal administration: Decoction, 9-15 grams.
