Zhuzongcao, a traditional Chinese medicine, is harvested in summer and autumn. It can be used fresh or dried. It is mainly used for treating cold and fever, lung heat and cough, damp heat diarrhea, and dysentery. Sufficient water supply is crucial for the growth of Zhuzongcao!
Image of Zhuzongcao
【Methods of cultivating Zhuzongcao】
1. Sufficient water supply
Zhuzongcao generally requires moist soil, and it is important to maintain sufficient water supply during its growth period. In addition, it is advisable to increase air humidity during dry weather.
2. Suitable temperature
Zhuzongcao does not have strict temperature requirements, but attention should be paid to high temperatures in summer and low temperatures in winter. In general, the indoor temperature should be above 5 degrees Celsius in winter and around 25 degrees Celsius in a cool and ventilated place in summer.
3. Soil requirements
The soil should not be too poor in fertility. Zhuzongcao generally grows in sandy soil rich in organic matter. It is also possible to use potting soil for cultivation. Fertilizer should be applied every month, targeting the roots, and repotting and changing soil should be done promptly.
【Characteristics of Zhuzongcao as a medicinal herb】
Zhuzongcao is 10-20cm long, with numerous slender fibrous roots at the lower part of its rhizome. The upper part is covered with brown lanceolate scales. The leaf stalks are slender and chestnut-colored, resembling iron wires. The top part of the leaf axis has adventitious roots.
The leaflets are membranous, fan-shaped, gray-green, and connected to the leaf stalk by joints. The outer edge is shallowly lobed at 2-5 places, with sporangia groups on the top of the lobes. The leaf margin of the sterile part has blunt teeth with a wavy shape. The leaf veins form a fan-shaped branching pattern, with small veins reaching the leaf margin.
The sporangia groups are elongated or kidney-shaped. It has a slight aroma and a slightly bitter taste. The preferred form is dry, with many leaves and a gray-green color.
【Modern applications of Zhuzongcao】
It is used for acute pneumonia, acute bronchitis, urinary system stones, rheumatoid arthritis, abscesses, eczema, and other conditions.
Related statements:
"Warms qi and blood, tonifies the lungs, stops coughing, relieves asthma, and transforms phlegm. (Used to treat) qi and blood deficiency due to overwork and women's blood deficiency." - "Herbal Prescription Compendium"
Internal use: Decoction, 15-30g; or soaked in wine. External use: Appropriate amount, decocted and used for washing; or powdered and applied.
