Di Gu Niu, also known as Gan Lu Er, Bao Ta Cai, Di Can, and Luo Shi Cai, is abundant from December to January.
Di Gu Niu
Basic Information:
Di Gu Niu, also known as Gan Lu Er, Bao Ta Cai, Di Can, and Luo Shi Cai, is abundant from December to January.
Di Gu Niu
It is often used as an ornamental plant because of its unique appearance, resembling a silkworm baby. From 1996 to 2000, it was falsely claimed to be fresh "winter worm, summer grass" and gained great fame, commanding a high price. Many people were deceived without knowing the truth. However, after being promoted, it has now become an emerging vegetable.
The plant grows to a height of 15-25 cm, with square stems and dense fine hairs covering the entire plant. The leaves are opposite, oblong-shaped, with blunt tips and serrated edges. It blooms from spring to summer, with pale purple flowers. The underground tubers are short-jointed, white, and resemble silkworm bodies, with a crisp texture.
Flowering period of Di Gu Niu
Distribution:
It is native to East Asia, Mainland China, and has been cultivated in Taiwan for over 15 years since being introduced from Mainland China.
It is distributed in Hebei, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Sichuan, and other regions.
Distribution of Di Gu Niu
Growing Environment:
It prefers warm temperatures and dislikes high temperature and humidity. The optimal temperature for growth is 15-25 degrees Celsius. It grows near water or in wetlands.
Growing environment of Di Gu Niu
Medicinal Value of Di Gu Niu
[Functions and Indications]
It calms the liver, relieves wind, reduces fever, suppresses spasms, detoxifies, and reduces swelling.
It is used for hypertension, stroke, high fever in children, convulsions, malaria, urinary tract infections, foreign bodies stuck in flesh, fractures, and is externally applied to treat otitis media, abscesses, unknown swellings, heat-clearing, dampness-removing, stone-expelling, and diuretic effects.
[Dosage]
1-2 fen (Chinese unit of weight, equivalent to 0.1-0.2 grams). Externally, apply an appropriate amount of powdered dried material to the affected area.
