Xiqiancao is the aboveground part of the plants Xiqian, Xiagan Xiqian, or Maogeng Xiqian in the Asteraceae family. It can be used as a wild edible plant and also as a traditional Chinese medicine. It has the effects of dampness removal and detoxification. Let's take a look at the pharmacological effects of Xiqiancao and its precautions for use.
Picture of Xiqiancao
[Pharmacological Effects of Xiqiancao]
1. Anti-inflammatory effect
The reason why Xiqiancao is commonly used as a "rheumatism medicine" in rural areas is mainly due to its anti-inflammatory effect, which can help reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Hypotensive effect
Studies have shown that Xiqiancao also has a certain vasodilating effect, which can help block vasoconstrictive reactions caused by nerve stimulation and thus have a certain hypotensive effect.
3. Antibacterial effect
Xiqiancao also has antibacterial effects. It is highly sensitive to Staphylococcus aureus and has inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus albus, Corynebacterium, Enterococcus, and Vibrio cholerae. Therefore, Xiqiancao can be used in the treatment of diseases such as malaria and wet sores in clinical practice.
Picture of Xiqiancao
[Clinical Applications of Xiqiancao]
1. Treatment of intestinal bleeding caused by wind and cold: Steam Xiqiancao leaves, grind into powder, refine with honey into pills. Take 15 grams per dose, with boiled water.
2. Treatment of hypertension: Take Xiqiancao, Xiakucao, Sangjisheng 15 grams each, Juhua, Longdancao 9 grams each, decoct in water and take orally.
3. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, lumbago and leg pain, etc.: Take Xiqiancao, Laoguancao 12 grams each, Jixueteng 15 grams, decoct in water and take orally.
4. Treatment of malaria: Xiqiancao alone can be taken in a dose of 30-45 grams, decoct in water and take orally.
5. Treatment of wind-cold diarrhea: Grind Xiqiancao into powder, mix with vinegar and paste to make pills, each the size of a wuzi. Take thirty pills per dose, swallow with boiled water. This prescription is called "Huoxian Pill".
Picture of Xiqiancao
[Precautions for Using Xiqiancao]
1. Xiqiancao is a cold herb in terms of taste, so it is generally not suitable for people with a weak and cold constitution. It is more suitable for people with rheumatism and damp-heat tendencies.
2. Avoid using an iron pot when decocting Xiqiancao to avoid losing its efficacy.
3. Do not overdose Xiqiancao to avoid vomiting.
Recommended for consumption: Xiqiancao is suitable for people with rheumatism, weak tendons and bones, weak lower back and knees, stroke, facial paralysis, hemiplegia, wind rash, wet sores, insect and animal bites, malaria, jaundice, and other conditions, especially for patients with rheumatic pain and damp-heat conditions.
Not recommended for consumption: Not suitable for people without rheumatism.
Expert advice: Xiqiancao is suitable for raw consumption for clearing heat and detoxification, and for processed consumption for dispelling rheumatism and promoting blood circulation. It is best to store it in a well-ventilated and dry place to avoid mold affecting its efficacy.
