Introduction to Light Leaf Water Su
Light Leaf Water Su, also known as Eriocaulon luzonicum, is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a height of 20-80 centimeters. It is found in Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, and other regions. Light Leaf Water Su is used for clearing heat, resolving phlegm, and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Alternate Names for Light Leaf Water Su
Light Leaf Water Su is also known as Wangjiangqing, Tianzhima (from "Li's Grass Secret"), Baimalan, Nidengxin, Yedican, and Baigengcao (from "Folk Medicinal Herbs of Zhejiang").
Morphology of Light Leaf Water Su
Light Leaf Water Su is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a height of 20-80 centimeters. It has creeping roots at the lower part and square stems with hairs at the nodes.
The leaves are opposite, lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, measuring 4-10.5 centimeters in length and 0.7-3 centimeters in width. They have an acute tip, a nearly circular or heart-shaped base, serrated edges, and are hairless on both sides. The leaf stalks are 3-17 millimeters long.
The flowers are arranged in clusters of 6 or more, axillary or terminal, with a flower axis measuring 5-12 centimeters in length. The bracts are small and lanceolate in shape.
The calyx is bell-shaped, measuring 7.2 millimeters in length, and is hairless or slightly hairy on the outside. It has 10 veins and 5 teeth, with pointed tips and fine hairs on the edges. The upper lip has 3 teeth, and the lower lip has 2 teeth.
The corolla is pale red or pale purple, measuring 14.5 millimeters in length. The upper lip is inverted ovate, covered with short hairs, and has a smooth edge. The lower lip is 3-lobed. There are 4 stamens, 2 of which are stronger.
The stigma is 2-lobed and shorter than the stamens. The small nut is ovate and measures 1.8 millimeters in length. It is black and smooth. The flowering period is from April to June, and the fruiting period is from May to July.
Effects and Uses of Light Leaf Water Su
Taste: According to the "Pharmaceutical Resources of Wenling County": "Slightly sweet in taste, neutral in nature."
Main functions: Clearing heat, resolving phlegm, and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for treating coughs due to wind-heat, sore throat, whooping cough, dysentery, and herpes zoster.
①According to the "Hangzhou Medicinal Plant Records": "It is a strong tonic for relieving fatigue."
②According to the "Folk Medicinal Herbs of Zhejiang": "It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties."
③According to the "Pharmaceutical Resources of Wenling County": "It nourishes Yin, clears heat, expels phlegm, and is used for treating wind-heat rising, sore throat, cough, loss of voice, and herpes sores."
