The Chinese herb Gangban Gui, also known as Cili Tou, Laohu Li, and Laohu Ci, has the functions of promoting blood circulation, resolving stasis, clearing heat, and detoxifying. What is the plant morphology of Gangban Gui?
Image of Gangban Gui
【Functions and Indications of Gangban Gui】
It is used for the treatment of sore throat, jaundice, diarrhea, scrofula, eczema, pemphigus, pustular acne, abscesses, snake bites, edema, cloudy urine with discharge, vomiting blood, blood in the stool, conjunctivitis, contusions and swelling, violent cough, hemorrhoids, and more, caused by heat toxins or damp-heat accumulation.
It can be combined with other herbs for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, acute tonsillitis, bronchitis, pertussis, dysentery, enteritis, nephritis, herpes zoster, etc.
Modern pharmacological research has shown that a 50% decoction of Gangban Gui has antibacterial effects in vitro and inhibitory effects on experimental animal tumors.
Clinically, Gangban Gui is used for the treatment of nephritis, upper respiratory tract infections, herpes zoster, etc.
【Contraindications of Gangban Gui】
Do not take excessive doses for a long time.
Use with caution in individuals with weak constitution or weak spleen and stomach.
Not recommended for pregnant women, and use with caution in children.
【Plant Morphology of Gangban Gui】
The original form is a perennial herb. The stems are angular and reddish-brown, with downward hooked thorns.
The leaves are opposite, shield-shaped; leaf blades are nearly triangular, 4-6cm long, 5-8cm wide, pointed at the tip, with a nearly cordate or truncate base, and sparsely hooked thorns along the veins on the underside; sheaths are nearly circular, encircling the stem; leaf stalks are long, sparsely covered with hooked thorns.
The inflorescence is a short spike; bracts are round; the corolla is 5-lobed, pale red or white, enlarging and becoming fleshy and deep blue when fruiting; stamens are 8; the style is 3-lobed. The fruit is spherical, covered by a blue, juicy corolla. The flowering period is from June to August, and the fruiting period is from September to October.
