Chinese herbal medicine Nv Lou Cai is the whole plant of the Caryophyllaceae plant Nv Lou Cai. It is distributed throughout the country and has the effects of promoting blood circulation and regulating menstruation, promoting lactation and invigorating the spleen, and removing dampness and detoxification. Let's learn about the identification methods of Nv Lou Cai below!
【Identification of Nv Lou Cai】
The whole plant of Nv Lou Cai is 20-50cm long and densely covered with short soft hairs. The roots are slender and fusiform, and become woody. The stems are erect and often branched. The leaves are opposite; the complete leaf blade is linear-lanceolate or lanceolate, 4-6cm long and about 5mm wide; the apex is acute, the base gradually narrows, the margin is entire, and the surface is gray-green or yellowish-green, densely covered with short soft hairs. The umbel inflorescence has pink or light brown flowers, often 2-3 flowers born on the branches.
The capsule is elliptical and almost equal in length to the persistent calyx tube. The seeds are kidney-shaped, small, dark brown, and have small nodular protrusions. It has a slight fragrance and a mild taste.
【Application of Nv Lou Cai in Prescriptions】
1. Treatment of irregular menstruation (delayed): Guan Guan Hua Wu Yue, Xiao Xue Teng San Qian. Decoct with wine and take warm, twice a day. (Guizhou Herbal Medicine)
2. Treatment of insufficient lactation in postpartum women: Nv Lou Cai and Huang Qi each five qian (about 15g), Dang Gui three qian (about 9g). Decoct with water and take orally. (Ningxia Herbal Medicine Manual)
3. Treatment of floating edema due to physical deficiency: Nv Lou Cai, Bai Zhu, and Fu Ling Pi each five qian (about 15g). Decoct with water and take orally. (Ningxia Herbal Medicine Manual)
4. Treatment of abscesses and swelling: Guan Guan Hua and Niu Mao Zhan in appropriate amounts. Grind into a paste and apply to the affected area. (Guizhou Herbal Medicine)
