The Chinese herb "Wuxiangcao" is distributed in Suzhou, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, and eastern Jiangxi. It is used for colds, heat stroke, qi pain, stomach pain, sore throat, boils, and centipede bites. Can Wuxiangcao be grown at home?
Image of Wuxiangcao
Can Wuxiangcao be grown at home?
Generally, fertilization is applied in spring and autumn each year. Spring fertilization can promote early growth and reduce damage, while autumn fertilization can extend the green period, increase tillering and underground stems.
Fertilizers should be mainly nitrogen-based, supplemented with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. To ensure a continuous supply of nutrients, long-term nitrogen fertilizers should be used. When applying fertilizers, they should be spread as evenly as possible, and avoid burning the leaves with fertilizers. After fertilization, watering should be done. The color of Wuxiangcao varies from deep to light green, depending on the degree of sunlight. If the sun shines for a long time, it will be dark green. If it has less exposure to sunlight, it will be light green. It likes water, so it is best to water it once a day when the weather is hot.
Characteristics of Wuxiangcao
The stems are slender and square-shaped, with many branches, measuring 20-42 cm in length. The surface is gray-green to purple, covered with downward soft hairs, with a soft texture. The leaves are opposite, curled and wrinkled, and become lanceolate or linear-lanceolate when flattened, measuring 1.5-3 cm in length and 2-5 mm in width. Both sides have short soft hairs and glandular dots.
The flowers are curled into clusters, with small bracts and pale purple corollas.
The small nuts are spherical and have a dark brown surface with fine reticulations. It has a strong and fragrant aroma, and a spicy and cool taste.
Selected formulas using Wuxiangcao
1. To treat ulcer disease: Take 3 grams of Wuxiangcao, 3 grams of Hongmuxiang, 30 grams of dandelion, and 6 grams of Xuchangqing. Decoct in water and take orally.
2. To treat tonsillitis: Take 15 grams of Wuxiangcao and add an appropriate amount of honey. Decoct in water and take orally.
3. To treat boils: Take 3 grams of Wuxiangcao, 3 grams of wild chrysanthemum, 30 grams of purple flower Pulsatilla, and 30 grams of dandelion. Decoct in water and take orally.
4. To treat centipede bites: Crush Wuxiangcao and apply the juice externally. (Formulas from "Frequently Used Folk Herbs in Zhejiang")
