Da Jiugu Niu is the root of the Aceraceae plant, Acer delavayi. Here is the information about the growth environment and functions of Da Jiugu Niu:
Da Jiugu Niu
Da Jiugu Niu
[Source] From "Folk Herbs of Kunming"
[Origin] The rhizome of the plant Gastrodia elata.
[English Name] Root of Delavay Dobinea
[Latin Name] Dobinea delavayi (Baill.) Baill. [Podoon delavayi Baill.]
[Collection and Storage] Harvested in autumn, winter, and spring, washed, and dried in the sun or sliced and dried.
Characteristics of Da Jiugu Niu
Identification:
Cylindrical in shape, measuring 3.7-7.5cm in length, with a grayish-white or light brown surface that is opaque.
If the outer skin is not removed, there are visible concentric and longitudinal rings, and a layer of skin can be peeled off, resembling fibers.
Visible distinct knife marks. There is a concave or protruding stem scar at the top.
The texture is solid and not easily broken, with an uneven cross-section that resembles wood. It has a slight aroma and a slightly bitter taste.
Microscopic Identification:
Powder characteristics: Light brown.
① Numerous starch grains, either single or compound.
Single grains are round, helmet-shaped, or axe-shaped, with a few irregular quadrilateral grains.
The diameter is 3-8-13μm, and larger starch grains occasionally have a cross-shaped hilum, but the layer pattern is not distinct.
Compound grains consist of 2-4 sub-grains; sub-grains are often helmet-shaped, semi-circular, or triangular.
② Calcium oxalate cluster crystals exist in the cork layer and thin-walled cells of the cortex, appearing as flower-shaped or petal-shaped, with a diameter of 8-26μm.
③ Vessels are reticulate, with a diameter of up to 80μm, and the end walls are inclined, with elongated pits;
Fragmented vessels with large pits surrounded by marginate pits can also be seen.
④ The wood parenchyma is in block-like pieces, and the cells are rectangular or elongated with slightly thickened walls.
Habitat and Distribution of Da Jiugu Niu
Ecological Environment:
Grows in sunny grass slopes or shrubs at an altitude of 1100-2300m.
Distribution:
Found in Sichuan, Yunnan, and other places.
Functions and Indications of Da Jiugu Niu
[Properties] Slightly bitter; Cool
[Meridians Entered] Heart; Lung meridians
[Functions and Indications] Clears heat and detoxifies; Stops coughing; Relieves pain. Mainly used for lung heat cough, mastitis, intercostal inflammation, boils, abscesses, and traumatic injuries.
[Dosage] Internal use: Decoction, 6-15g; or soak in alcohol. External use: Appropriate amount, mixed with honey or vinegar for application.
[Excerpt] From "Compendium of Materia Medica"
