The root and rhizome of the plant Uncaria sinensis, also known as Da Jiugu Niu, belongs to the family of Anacardiaceae. It has the functions of clearing heat, detoxification, and relieving cough. How to identify the characteristics of Da Jiugu Niu and its storage method?
Image of Da Jiugu Niu
Functions and Indications of Da Jiugu Niu
It has the functions of reducing inflammation, relieving pain, stopping cough, and treating skin ulcers. It is used to treat lung heat cough, mastitis, parotitis, and boils.
1. Treatment of lung heat cough: Take 5 grams of Da Jiugu Niu root (peeled), 2 grams of Xiang Ling Cao, and 2 grams of Wa Cao. Grind them into powder and take 2 grams each time, twice a day.
2. Treatment of mastitis, parotitis, boils, and abscesses: Take equal amounts of Da Jiugu Niu, Chong Lou, Bai Ji, Xiao Nian Yao, and Wu Xiang Xue Teng, grind them into powder, and apply externally with honey or vinegar.
Characteristics of Da Jiugu Niu
The rhizome is cylindrical, measuring 3.7-7.5 cm in length. The surface is grayish-white or light brown, opaque. If the outer skin is not removed completely, 3-4 rings and longitudinal stripes can be seen, and one layer of skin can be peeled off, resembling fibrous texture. There are obvious knife marks. There is a concave or raised stem scar at the top. It has a solid texture, not easily broken, and the cross-section is not flat, resembling a woody texture. It has a faint smell and a slightly bitter taste.
Storage Method of Da Jiugu Niu
It is harvested in autumn, winter, or spring, washed, and the outer skin is removed. It can be dried in the sun or sliced and dried.
