Dachaocai, also known as Weicai, Dachaocai, and Shanbiandou, is distributed in Northeast China, Shaanxi, Gansu, Henan, and other places. Let's take a look at its specific morphological characteristics and application together with the editor!
Dachaocai
Morphological Characteristics of Dachaocai
1. Plant
Perennial herb, 40-100 cm tall. Shrub-like, with white hairs all over the plant.
2. Stem
Rhizome stout, with a diameter of up to 2 cm, dark brown epidermis, almost woody.
Stems are angular, branching, and covered with white hairs.
3. Leaves
Odd-pinnate compound leaves with 2-3 branches or single tendril at the top, 2 deeply lobed stipules, lanceolate lobes, about 0.6 cm long;
3-6 pairs of leaflets, nearly alternate, elliptic or ovate, 1.5-3 cm long, 0.7-1.7 cm wide, blunt at the apex, with short pointed tips, round at the base, sparsely pubescent on both sides, 7-8 pairs of veins, prominent midvein on the lower side, covered with grayish white hairs.
4. Flowers
Raceme longer than the leaves; 6-16 flowers, sparsely borne on the upper part of the inflorescence axis;
Corolla white, pink, purple, or bluish gray; small, about 0.6 cm long, pedicel about 0.15-0.2 cm long;
Calyx campanulate, about 0.2-0.25 cm long, calyx teeth narrowly lanceolate or conical, pubescent on the outside;
Banner petal inverted ovate, about 7 mm long, slightly concave at the apex, wing petals nearly equal in length to the banner petal, keel petal the shortest;
Ovary hairless, long-stalked, 2-3 ovules, stigma surrounded by hairs on the upper part.
5. Fruit
Pods oblong or rhomboid, 1-2 cm long, 4-5 mm wide, sharply pointed on both sides, brown skin.
Seeds 2-3, kidney-shaped, reddish-brown skin, about 0.4 cm long.
Flowering period is from June to July, fruiting period is from August to October.
Dachaocai
Applications of Dachaocai
① Treatment of malaria
Take 50 grams of Dachaocai and decoct in water for oral administration. (Guizhou Herbal Medicine)
② Treatment of nosebleeds
Take 50 grams of Dachaocai and decoct in sweet wine for consumption. (Guizhou Herbal Medicine)
③ Treatment of jaundice and edema
Take Wema Wan, Huangjiao Ji, Shuizaojiao, Choucaogen, and Dawanzi root, decoct and consume.
④ Treatment of nocturnal emission and palpitations
Take Wema Wan, Huangjing, Tiandong, Cinnabar, Xianmao, and Duzhong, stew with pig's trotters and consume. (Sichuan Chinese Medicine)
⑤ Treatment of irregular menstruation
Take 25 grams of Feitiancao seeds and Xiaoxueteng, soak in wine and consume. (Guizhou Herbal Medicine)
⑥ Treatment of boils
Crush fresh Dachaocai and apply with salt brine. (Jiangxi Herbal Manual)
Precautions for using Dachaocai
It is good to use it to promote bowel movements, cook as a vegetable or make soup. Pregnant women should use it with caution.
