Wild sorghum, as a medicinal herb, has many benefits and uses. Let's take a look at its morphological characteristics and its efficacy and usage.
【Morphological Characteristics】
Wild sorghum is a perennial upright herb that can grow up to 1 meter tall. It has thick and brownish rhizomes. The leaves are basal and pinnately compound, with ovate heart-shaped leaflets measuring 4-6 centimeters long and 1.5-3.5 centimeters wide. The leaf apex is gradually pointed, the base is nearly heart-shaped and inclined, and the edges have sharp serrations. Both sides of the leaf are covered with stiff hairs. The leaf stalk is slender and densely covered with brown long soft hairs.
The large conical inflorescence is terminal and covered with brown long soft hairs. The flowers are pink, with 5 stamens. After flowering, it forms caryopsis fruits with numerous seeds. The flowering period is in spring.
【Application Value】
Wild sorghum often grows in patches and becomes food for birds such as sparrows. It can also be used as feed for livestock. The tender leaves of wild sorghum can be dried in the shade or sun-dried to make feed in granular form. The grains of wild sorghum can be used for food consumption and brewing. It can be directly consumed as a staple food.
Wild sorghum has a spicy and slightly bitter taste and a warm nature. It enters the kidney and stomach meridians. It has the effect of promoting blood circulation, dispersing stasis, dispelling wind and dampness, and relieving pain. It is used for rheumatic pain, trauma, stomach pain, and suppurative sores.
【Formula and Application】
1. "Yunnan Medicinal Herbs": "For the treatment of suppurative sores, grind the roots of wild sorghum into powder, mix with sesame oil, and apply to the affected area."
2. "Yunnan Medicinal Plant Catalog": "For the treatment of chronic nephritis, trauma, and suppurative sores, take an appropriate amount of wild sorghum roots, decoct and consume it or apply externally."
3. "National Compilation of Chinese Medicinal Herbs": "For the treatment of trauma, rheumatic pain, and chronic nephritis, take 6-12g of the roots and decoct for consumption. Alternatively, take 30g of the roots, soak in 500ml of alcohol for 7 days, and then consume 10ml twice daily. For suppurative sores, take 9-15g of the roots, crush them, mix with raw sesame oil, and apply to the affected area."
