Leaves of the elephant flower are also known as arrowleaf leaves, fine leaf leaves, poinsettia, and leaves on flowers. They are widely planted in various botanical gardens in China. The ornamental value of elephant flowers is extremely high because the color of their leaves constantly changes as they grow. In terms of medicinal value, elephant flowers are very effective in regulating menstruation, stopping bleeding, and reducing swelling. However, it is recommended to be cautious because the leaves or plant sap of elephant flowers contain certain toxicity.
Toxicity of Elephant Flowers
The leaves or plant sap contain toxic ingredients, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and delirium when ingested.
Morphological Characteristics of Elephant Flowers
It is an annual herb, about 1 meter tall. The stem is solitary. It has oblique, robust branches that are sparsely covered with short, soft hairs or are hairless. The leaves are opposite on the lower and middle parts of the stem, and the leaves on the lower part of the inflorescence are paired. The leaf stalk is 2-3 cm long, with glandular stipules. The leaf shape varies, including ovate, elliptic, lanceolate, or linear, measuring 4-10 cm long and 2.5-5 cm wide. The leaves are either pinnately divided or undivided, with wavy shallow teeth or sharp teeth or entire margins. Both sides of the leaves are sparsely covered with short, soft hairs. The leaves on the lower part of the inflorescence are usually red at the base or entirely red.
The cup-shaped umbel inflorescences are densely arranged in umbel-like clusters at the top of the stem and branches. The involucre is bell-shaped, green, 3-4 mm wide, and 5-lobed at the apex. There are 1-2 glandular bodies, cup-shaped, without petal-like appendages. There are 20 or more staminate flowers with membranous bracts that tear at the apex. The ovary is ovoid and 3-celled. The styles are 3, separate, and shallowly 2-lobed at the apex. The capsule is ovoid-trigonous, about 5 mm in diameter, and hairless. The seeds are ovoid, grayish-brown, with wart-like protrusions on the surface and no caruncle. The flowering and fruiting period is in August.
Functions and Indications
It regulates menstruation, stops bleeding, promotes bone healing, and reduces swelling. It is used to treat excessive menstruation, bruises, fractures, and sprains.
Dosages
Internal use: decoction, 3-9g; External use: as needed, crush fresh leaves and apply to affected areas.
Prescriptions with Elephant Flowers
1. Treatment for excessive menstruation and bruises: Take 2-3 qian of elephant flowers and decoct them in water. Take twice a day.
2. Treatment for external bleeding and fractures: Apply a suitable amount of fresh elephant flower leaves to the affected area. Change the dressing every two to three days. (From "Wenshan Chinese Herbal Medicine")
Precautions
When using any medicinal herb, there are certain precautions to be aware of, especially for highly valued medicinal herbs like elephant flowers. In addition to being aware of its toxicity, it is also important to avoid excessive use, as it may not only fail to achieve the desired effect but also worsen the symptoms.
