Suiguzi, also known as Bamboo Leaf, is the rhizome or tuber of the plant Bambusa textilis, a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine. It has excellent efficacy in treating various diseases. Due to its ability to induce abortion, Suiguzi was considered a forbidden medicine for pregnant women in ancient times. Now let's take a closer look at the benefits and usage of Suiguzi.
Image of Suiguzi
What is Suiguzi?
Suiguzi, also known as Bamboo Leaf, is a common Chinese medicinal herb. It is the rhizome or tuber of the plant Bambusa textilis or Bambusa multiplex. It has the efficacy of clearing heat and promoting diuresis, and is commonly used for fever, thirst, restlessness, and difficulty urinating.
Suiguzi, also known as Bamboo Leaf Ophiopogon, Golden Bamboo Leaf, or Fresh Bamboo Rice, is mainly produced in the Yangtze River Basin. It has a sweet and mild taste and a cold nature. It belongs to the heart, stomach, and small intestine meridians. It is a medicine for clearing heat and purging fire.
The main components of Suiguzi include polysaccharides, amino acids, organic acids, and phenolic compounds. It can be used for fever, red and painful urination, and mouth ulcers. The Compendium of Materia Medica records that Bamboo Leaf can induce abortion and promote childbirth.
Due to its ability to induce abortion, Suiguzi was considered a forbidden medicine for pregnant women in ancient times. However, since the introduction of Western medicine in China, it has lost its role as an abortion drug.
In the first episode of the TV series "The Legend of Mi Yue," there is a plot where Empress Wei, upon learning that Lady Xiang is pregnant, sends a female doctor to administer medicine to induce abortion, and the medicine used is Suiguzi.
Image of Suiguzi
Can Suiguzi really induce abortion?
Can Suiguzi really induce abortion? The answer is yes, but this method of abortion causes great harm and its safety is still to be confirmed.
Suiguzi itself is a cold medicine. It is indeed recorded in ancient Chinese medical literature that it has the effect of inducing abortion and promoting childbirth. Therefore, Suiguzi was one of the medicines forbidden for pregnant women in ancient times.
However, the abortion drugs currently used in clinical practice in China are all Western medicines, and they all have clear dosage instructions. Therefore, Suiguzi is no longer used for abortion.
Therefore, it is recommended not to get too absorbed in historical dramas, as getting too absorbed may cause harm to one's body.
Image of Suiguzi
Usage and taboos of Suiguzi
1. Usage of Suiguzi
For treating nephritis: Take about five qian (15 grams) each of Suiguzi and Dioscorea nipponica, then decoct with boiling water and take the decoction once daily. Persist in taking it for two weeks to see significant effects.
For chest discomfort: Take about three to five qian (9-15 grams) of Suiguzi, decoct with boiling water and take the decoction once daily. Persist for one week. It has a good effect on improving symptoms such as fever, restlessness, and thirst caused by chest discomfort.
2. Taboos of Suiguzi
Not suitable for pregnant women.
Not suitable for those with kidney deficiency and frequent urination.
Should not be decocted for a long time. Fresh products are preferred for consumption, and when cooking porridge, it should be thin rather than thick.
