One of the medicinal plants found in the snow-covered mountains is the Rhizome of Heracleum flagelliforme, which belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is distributed in Tibet and other areas and is known for its ability to dispel wind and dampness, promote blood circulation, and relieve pain. It is commonly used to treat joint and bone pain caused by wind-cold-dampness conditions.
Image of Rhizome of Heracleum flagelliforme
Morphological Characteristics of Rhizome of Heracleum flagelliforme
Rhizome of Heracleum flagelliforme is a perennial herb with a height of about 90 centimeters. Its rhizome is conical in shape. The stem has short, appressed hairs. The leaves are alternate, petiolate, palmately divided with shallow lobes resembling feathers, or with coarse teeth. The upper surface is green with a few short hairs, while the lower surface is light green and almost hairless.
The inflorescence is elongated and bears numerous flowers. There are 2 small bracts, linear in shape, located above the middle part of the pedicel. The sepals are petal-like, yellow-green in color, with one sepal on the upper side resembling a helmet shape.
The rhizome is conical or elongated-cylindrical, measuring 4-9 cm in length and 0.5-3 cm in diameter. The surface is dark brown to brownish-brown, with deep wrinkles and a few root hair scars.
It is hard and difficult to break, with a milky white or light brown powdery texture. Scattered brown dots can be seen on the cross-section.
Image of Rhizome of Heracleum flagelliforme
Effects and Uses of Rhizome of Heracleum flagelliforme
Rhizome of Heracleum flagelliforme has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, wind-dispelling, and dampness-removing effects. It is mainly used to treat rheumatic bone pain, sprains, swelling, and toothaches.
1. Painful conditions: Rhizome of Heracleum flagelliforme has a pungent, dispersing, and warming nature. It can dispel wind and dampness, promote blood circulation, and especially relieve pain. It is a good medicine for treating various types of pain.
2. Ulcers, swelling, and venomous snake or insect bites: Rhizome of Heracleum flagelliforme can counteract toxins, promote blood circulation, and relieve pain. It can be applied externally by soaking it in alcohol to treat ulcers, swelling, and venomous snake or insect bites.
Image of Rhizome of Heracleum flagelliforme
Precautions for using Rhizome of Heracleum flagelliforme
1. Rhizome of Heracleum flagelliforme is highly toxic and should be processed before internal use. The dosage should be strictly controlled. It is not suitable for internal use without processing.
2. Pregnant women, the elderly, children, and patients with heart disease or ulcer should avoid taking it.
3. Avoid consuming raw and cold food, legumes, beef, and mutton during the medication period.
4. Rhizome of Heracleum flagelliforme in alcoholic form should not be taken internally.
5. Symptoms of poisoning mainly include strong stimulation of the vagus nerve, excessive salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, arrhythmia, decreased blood pressure, shock, difficulty breathing, seizures, and coma. Death can occur due to circulatory and respiratory failure.
