Bo Gai Cao, also known as Jie Gu Cao, is named after its resemblance to the ancient emperor's imperial canopy. It has high medicinal value, with internal use for clearing heat and dampness, and external use for promoting blood circulation and reducing swelling. As its alias suggests, it definitely has the effect of treating injuries. Let's take a look at the efficacy and functions of Bo Gai Cao.
【Morphological Characteristics of Bo Gai Cao】
Bo Gai Cao got its name from its stems, which have opposite leaves resembling the imperial canopy. It is adorned with a circle of ruby-like flower buds, just like a "treasure canopy"!
When spring arrives, the "ruby" quickly grows larger and suddenly transforms into small and exquisite figures standing on the "canopy", looking outwards. The labiate flowers seem to be embracing spring, and the delicate pink-purple color makes the "canopy" even more vibrant and luxurious.
Bo Gai Cao is usually about 20-30 centimeters tall, often growing in clusters. Each stem, which is square in shape, can hold several lotus platforms. When the flowers on the lotus platforms open one by one in a circular arrangement, the pinkish-red flowers are quite interesting and thought-provoking. The abundance of small flowers also creates a spectacular sight. We often introduce exotic wildflowers to embellish modern gardens, aiming for novelty and interest, but in fact, these native wildflowers are no less impressive when planted in groups.
Most of the flowers of Bo Gai Cao are purple, but there are also exceptions. Occasionally, amidst a cluster of pink-purple flowers, you can see one or two white flowers. The snow-white petals are delicately dotted with purple spots, making them particularly eye-catching.
【Efficacy and Functions of Bo Gai Cao】
In fact, Bo Gai Cao is not just beautiful, it is a tubular flower plant of the Labiatae family, an annual or biennial erect herb with strong medicinal value.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bo Gai Cao is considered to have a neutral nature, with a pungent and bitter taste. It has the effects of clearing heat and dampness, promoting blood circulation, dispelling wind, reducing swelling, and detoxifying. Internally, it can be used for the treatment of jaundice-type hepatitis, lymph node tuberculosis, hypertension, facial paralysis, and hemiplegia. Externally, it has significant effects on injuries from falls, fractures, and pyogenic infections, which is why it is also known as "Jie Gu Cao" in folk medicine.
In Yunnan Province, China, Bo Gai Cao is also known as "Jie Gu Cao" and is used for bone-setting treatment after fractures. In addition, Bo Gai Cao has the effects of clearing heat and dampness, promoting blood circulation, dispelling wind, reducing swelling, and detoxifying.
Although Bo Gai Cao has obvious medicinal effects, it is important not to use it blindly to avoid adverse effects on one's health.
【Medicinal Formulas of Bo Gai Cao】
1. Treatment of injuries from falling and fractures
Bo Gai Cao 2 liang, Zi Ge Gen 1 liang (grind), Shi Hu 1 liang (remove roots and grind), Ba Ji 1 (2) liang, Ding Xuan 1 liang, A Wei 1 liang (wrap with dough, steam until cooked). Prepare the medicine and crush it into coarse powder. Take 2 qian with warm wine.
2. Treatment of injuries from falls, foot injuries, and red swelling that prevents walking
Bo Gai Cao, Zhu Ma Gen, Da Ji. Mash them with egg white and honey, apply it to the affected area, and change it once overnight. If there is prolonged pain, add scallion and ginger.
3. Treatment of lymph node tuberculosis
㈠ Bo Gai Cao tender shoots 1 liang, eggs 2, stir-fry and consume together.
㈡ Bo Gai Cao 2-3 liang, eggs 2-3. Cook them together, remove the shells when the eggs are cooked, continue boiling for half an hour, and consume the eggs and soup.
㈢ Fresh Bo Gai Cao 2 liang. Mash it and extract the juice, then boil the juice and consume it. Take it every other day, continuously for three to four times.
4. Treatment of facial paralysis and hemiplegia
Bo Gai Cao, Fang Feng, Gou Teng, Dan Xing. Decoct them in water, and take with equal parts of water and alcohol.
