【Name】
Leaf Elephant Flower
【Alias】
Herb Bougainvillea (Hainan Plant Record), Bougainvillea (Wenshan Medicinal Plants).
【Source】
The whole plant of the Euphorbiaceae plant Bougainvillea spectabilis. Can be harvested all year round.
【Habitat Distribution】
Cultivated throughout China.
【Chemical Composition】
The seeds contain protein. The oil contains linoleic acid and linolenic acid, etc.
【Pharmacological Effects】
The hot water extract of the flower and leaves has inhibitory effects on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37) in vitro, while the stem and roots are ineffective. The juice of the leaves or plants is toxic and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and delirium when consumed. The toxic components may be present in the resin part.
【Functions】
Regulates menstruation and stops bleeding, promotes bone healing and reduces swelling. Used to treat excessive menstrual bleeding, bruises and fractures.
【Characteristics】
The Leaf Elephant Flower is an annual herbaceous plant, about 1 meter tall. The stem is erect, solitary, with oblique and stout branches that produce white sap when broken. The young stem is hollow and green. The leaves are alternate, with various shapes such as oval, elliptical, deeply lobed or unlobed. The leaves in the middle and lower part of the stem are 4-10 centimeters long and 2.5-5 centimeters wide, pinnately divided or undivided.
The petiole is 2-3 centimeters long. Some or all of the leaves at the lower part of the inflorescence are purple-red. The inflorescence is cup-shaped, arranged in dense umbels at the top of the stem or branches. The involucre is green and bell-shaped with 5 lobes at the top. There are 1-2 glands, cup-shaped, without petal-like appendages. The ovary is ovoid, 3-chambered, with 3 styles, separate, and 2-lobed at the top. The capsule is ovoid and triquetrous, with a diameter of about 5 millimeters. The seeds are ovoid with warty projections on the surface.
【Prescriptions】
① Used for excessive menstrual bleeding and bruises: Take 2-3 qian (6-9 grams) of Leaf Elephant Flower, decoct in water and take orally twice a day.
② Used for external bleeding and fractures: Take an appropriate amount of fresh leaves of Leaf Elephant Flower, mash and apply to the affected area, change dressing every two to three days. (The following information is from "Wenshan Medicinal Plants")
When using any medicinal herb, there are certain precautions to be aware of, especially for high-value medicinal herbs. In the case of Leaf Elephant Flower, in addition to its toxicity, it is also important to avoid excessive use of the herb, as it may not only fail to achieve the desired effect, but also worsen the symptoms. It is best to consult a professional doctor before using it.
