Zhuzongcao is the whole herb of fern plants, also known as fern, pig hair seven, and zhuzongcao. It is harvested in summer and autumn and has the functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, diuresis and relieving stranguria. It can be used for cold and fever, lung heat cough, snake bite and other conditions. Let's learn about the cultivation methods and medicinal characteristics of zhuzongcao below.
Morphological characteristics of zhuzongcao
Zhuzongcao is 10-20cm long. The lower part of the rhizome produces many slender root filaments, and the upper part is covered with brown lanceolate scales. The petiole is slender and chestnut-colored, resembling an iron wire. The top part of the leaf axis that touches the ground has root filaments.
The pinnae are membranous, fan-shaped, gray-green, and connected to the petiole by joints at 2-5 places on the outer edge. The top of the lobes has sporangia clusters, which are entire and the marginal edges of the sterile part have wavy obtuse teeth. The leaf veins are fan-shaped and the smaller veins reach the leaf edge directly.
There are 8-13 pairs of pinnules, alternate, with stalks. The largest pair near the base, and the second pinnules are bipinnately compound with small stalks. The terminal pinnules are approximately 3-3.5mm wide, mostly fan-shaped, and the base is wedge-shaped with a small stalk. The upper edge often has irregular deep lobes, and the lobes are blunt with small teeth. The leaves are thin and grassy, light green on both sides, and the veins are obvious.
The sporangia clusters are round to oblong, slightly curved, stalkless, and the spores are tiny and pale yellow. It has a slight scent and a slightly bitter taste. The best quality is dry, with many leaves and gray-green color.
Medicinal value of zhuzongcao
1. Relieving asthma and resolving phlegm
Zhuzongcao has the effects of relieving asthma, resolving phlegm, softening hardness, and treating deficiency cough. It can be used to treat bronchitis, asthma, lung heat cough, hemoptysis, pneumonia, and other conditions.
2. Detoxifying and reducing inflammation
Pharmacological studies have shown that plants in this genus have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. They are commonly used in the treatment of snake and insect bites, upper respiratory tract infections, mastitis, women's bleeding, postpartum blood stasis, and other conditions.
3. Diuresis and relieving stranguria
Zhuzongcao enters the small intestine and bladder meridians, and can promote diuresis, relieve stranguria, and reduce swelling. It can be used to treat urinary tract infections, lymph node tuberculosis, dysentery abdominal pain, and other conditions.
4. Treating hypertension
Zhuzongcao contains a large amount of flavonoids, which are used in clinical practice as an adjuvant treatment for hypertension. It has effects such as preventing cerebral hemorrhage, preventing cardiovascular diseases, and anti-mutation.
Cultivation methods of zhuzongcao
1. Adequate moisture
Generally, the soil should be kept moist, and it is important to ensure adequate moisture during its growth period. Increase humidity in dry weather. It should not suffer from water shortage in summer. Daily watering should not make the soil wet for a while and then dry, as this will cause the leaves to turn yellow.
2. Suitable temperature
Zhuzongcao does not have very 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 it should be kept around 25 degrees Celsius in a cool and ventilated place in summer. Direct sunlight can directly scorch the leaves.
3. Soil requirements
The soil fertility should not be too poor. Zhuzongcao generally grows in sandy soil rich in humus, but it can also be cultivated with potting soil. Fertilization should be applied every month, and fertilizers should be applied to the roots. Repotting and changing soil in spring each year is also important for its growth.
