Zizhu leaf is a common Chinese medicinal herb that has hemostatic, astringent, and detoxifying effects. It belongs to the category of hemostatic drugs. Below, I will introduce the medicinal value of Zizhu leaf.
【Effects and Functions of Zizhu Leaf】
Zizhu leaf has the effects of stopping bleeding, reducing inflammation, dispersing stagnation, and reducing swelling. It is mainly used for gastric and duodenal ulcer bleeding, external bleeding, nosebleeds, gum bleeding, sprains and swelling, suppurative skin ulcers, burns, and flu.
1. "Bencao Shi Yi": It can detoxify various toxic substances, treat abscesses, sore throat, toxic swelling, diarrhea, snake and insect bites, and rabies. It can be boiled and taken orally or boiled and used to wash ulcers and promote wound healing.
2. "Zhejiang Medicinal Resources Catalog": It treats spleen deficiency and fever. It can be ground into powder and applied topically for skin itching and pain, and it also has insecticidal properties.
3. "Illustrated Handbook of Chinese Medicinal Plants": It is effective in treating esophageal variceal bleeding, gastrointestinal ulcer bleeding, nosebleeds, traumatic bleeding, pulmonary hemorrhage, and tooth extraction bleeding.
【Methods of Identifying Zizhu Leaf】
After drying, the leaves of Zizhu leaf are often curled up and easily broken. If the leaves are flattened, they are usually elongated oval or lanceolate in shape.
The identification of Zizhu leaf can be based on the trichomes on the surface of the herb. The upper surface of Zizhu leaf has short trichomes, while the lower surface has denser gray-white trichomes. This feature can be used to identify Zizhu leaf in daily life.
Modern scientific research has also found that Zizhu leaf contains a large amount of beneficial nutrients for the body, especially iridoids, apigenin, luteolin, and zizhuterpenes, which can effectively promote body health after consumption.
【Applications of Zizhu Leaf in Traditional Medicine】
1. For gastrointestinal bleeding: Take 0.3-0.5g of dried Zizhu leaf powder and mix with cold boiled water. Take every four hours. In addition, take 6g of Zizhu leaf powder, boil with water, and drink as tea regularly.
2. For hemoptysis: Take 0.5-0.7g of dried Zizhu leaf powder, mix with egg white, and take every four hours. In addition, take 12g of dried Zizhu leaf powder, boil with water, and drink as tea regularly.
3. For traumatic bleeding: Use fresh Zizhu leaf, wash with cold boiled water, crush and apply it to the wound, or use dried Zizhu leaf powder to apply externally and cover with disinfectant gauze.
4. For all kinds of sore throat: Take one or two fresh Zizhu leaves, wash them, add two bowls of water, boil until one bowl remains, and drink or use it as tea regularly.
