Zelan is the stem and leaves of the plant Dioscorea oppositifolia. During the summer and autumn when the stem and leaves are abundant, the whole plant is harvested, cleaned of sand, and dried in the sun. Let's take a look at the clinical applications, contraindications, and pictures of Zelan together with the editor!
Zelan Picture
[Clinical Applications of Zelan]
Zelan has a similar effect to Motherwort and is mainly used to treat various diseases caused by blood stasis before and after childbirth.
1. Irregular menstruation
Zelan is commonly used to treat irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea caused by blood stasis, especially for blood stasis and amenorrhea.
It is often used in combination with other herbs such as Angelica sinensis and Paeonia lactiflora, such as the prescription "Zelan Decoction" combined with "Bajitian Pill".
2. Postpartum disorders
Zelan can also be used to treat postpartum abdominal pain caused by blood stasis, postpartum prolapse of the rectum, and incomplete discharge of lochia, similar to postpartum uterine regression disorder or uterine prolapse.
It can be used alone or in combination with Motherwort, Paeonia lactiflora, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Typha angustifolia, such as the prescriptions "Zelan and Motherwort Decoction" and "Zelan and Typha angustifolia Decoction".
In addition, ancient prescriptions are also used to treat postpartum syncope and trismus, similar to postpartum shock.
It is often used in combination with herbs such as Panax ginseng and Ligusticum chuanxiong to invigorate qi and activate blood circulation, such as the prescription "Qinghun Powder".
In addition, it can also be used to treat postpartum edema and frequent urination. It is often used in combination with herbs such as Stephania tetrandra and Poria cocos, such as the prescription "Zhuling Decoction".
Zelan Picture
[Contraindications of Zelan]
1. High toxicity of Zelan
No matter which traditional Chinese medicine book you look at, you can see a very fair evaluation of Zelan, which is that it is highly toxic.
This can be considered as a side effect of Zelan. Overall, it has a relatively high toxicity. Therefore, although it has the effects of cooling blood and promoting blood circulation, and even has the effect of eliminating blood stasis as some Western medicines, it has a relatively high toxicity. If taken in large quantities for a long time, it can cause poisoning symptoms.
Therefore, we should not take Zelan casually in our daily life, especially not in excessive amounts. Once we take an excessive amount of Zelan, it will cause poisoning.
2. Eating Zelan
Although most people can take some Zelan appropriately to prevent many diseases, we should pay attention that people with weak constitution should not take Zelan in their daily life.
Many times, if the doctor thinks that your body is too weak, they will not agree to your use of Zelan.
Because it has a relatively strong medicinal effect, even with a small amount. Therefore, the elderly and children must consult a doctor before use.
In principle, although it has the effect of eliminating blood stasis, it is not suitable for postpartum women with extremely weak physique.
Pregnant women, for their special reasons, should not use it either.
