The Chinese herb Xueshan Yizhihao is a commonly used traditional medicine for trauma pain relief. It is widely distributed in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region and is one of the most toxic Tibetan medicinal herbs. Now let's take a look at the pharmacological effects of Xueshan Yizhihao!
【Processing Method of Xueshan Yizhihao】
Soak Xueshan Yizhihao in cold water, changing the water 2-3 times a day, until there is no numbing sensation when tasted. Take it out and cook it with licorice and black beans until the inside is no longer white. Then take it out and dry it.
Soak it in clean water for 7 days, changing the water twice a day. Cut it into slices when the center becomes soft and translucent. Steam it in a steamer for 2-3 hours, then take it out and dry it.
Stir-fry it thoroughly with hot lard, or wrap it in wet paper and simmer it next to a charcoal fire until it is fully cooked. Remove the paper, soak it in children's urine for a day and night, then take it out, rinse it clean, and dry it.
Soak it in clean water for 7 days, changing the water twice a day. Cut it into slices when the center becomes soft and translucent. Steam it in a steamer for 2-3 hours, then take it out and dry it.
Stir-fry it thoroughly with hot lard, or wrap it in wet paper and simmer it next to a charcoal fire until it is fully cooked. Remove the paper, soak it in children's urine for a day and night, then take it out, rinse it clean, and dry it.
【Distribution of Xueshan Yizhihao】
Xueshan Yizhihao is mainly distributed in the northeastern and northwestern parts of Yunnan Province, such as Dongchuan, Huize, Xuanwei, Zhaotong, Qiaojia, Ninglang, Yongsheng, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La counties.
It commonly grows on shady slopes in high mountain grasslands at an altitude of 3000-4000 meters. It thrives in fertile and loose black humus soil.
It can be propagated by seeds or root buds. For seed propagation, it is sown in early May, scattered and kept the soil moist. After one year of seedling cultivation, it can be transplanted.
For root bud propagation, cut the upper third of the roots and bury the root buds in the soil with a spacing of 21cm × 21cm in November or before snowfall, about 4-6cm deep.
Weeds should be regularly removed during the growth period. To promote good plant growth, organic fertilizer or wood ash can be applied once a year.
【Symptoms of Xueshan Yizhihao Poisoning】
Xueshan Yizhihao is highly toxic, and the toxic reactions occur within 0.5 to 3 hours after taking the medicine. The main symptoms include mild drowsiness, burning sensation in the mouth, increased secretions;
Severe symptoms include numbness, weakness, coldness, bloating, discomfort in the throat, nausea, vomiting, excessive salivation, dizziness, palpitations, restlessness, abdominal pain with urge to defecate;
Critically ill patients may faint, have cold limbs, irregular heart rhythm, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, or experience seizures and loss of consciousness. Electrocardiograms may show frequent premature contractions. In severe cases, death can occur due to circulatory and respiratory failure.
Xueshan Yizhihao is a Tibetan medicine that grows in the mountainous forest edge and shrubbery, mainly found in Tibet and other regions. Its main component is aconitine, which is highly toxic when overdosed. Traditional Chinese medicine uses mung beans and honeysuckle to detoxify it.
There have been cases of death from poisoning within 2 hours after taking the medicine, so it should be used with caution. The rescue methods generally recommended are atropine, procainamide, and quinidine, which are believed to be more effective antagonists. Prompt administration of these drugs can yield results.
