Pig bristle herb can be used as a whole plant for medicinal purposes. It is a traditional Chinese medicine that clears heat and detoxifies. It is the whole plant of the fern family plant Adiantum pedatum or Adiantum capillus-veneris. Let's learn about the medicinal value and cultivation methods of pig bristle herb!
Picture of pig bristle herb
【Treatment of Urinary Stones with Pig Bristle Herb】
Pig bristle herb is very effective in treating urinary stones, but it must be decocted with sweet wine to fully utilize its pungent and sweet nature, promote qi transformation, promote urination, and achieve the desired medicinal effect.
Urinary stones are often caused by the accumulation of cold and stagnant substances. If only water is used for decoction, it is almost ineffective.
Take 20-50 grams of dried pig bristle herb (double the amount for fresh herb), wash it and soak it in 1500 milliliters of water for 1 hour, then decoct for half an hour and add 150 milliliters of sweet wine. Continue decocting for a few minutes.
The decoction should yield about 1500 milliliters of liquid, which is the daily dosage. Divide it into several servings and drink it all. In winter, when sweating is less, the amount of urine naturally increases. Follow the same method to obtain 1000 milliliters of decoction, which has the same effect when consumed.
In addition, pig bristle herb can also be used to treat mastitis, blocked milk ducts, women's excessive menstrual bleeding, and postpartum blood stasis. The dosage is 30 grams, and it should still be decocted with water and sweet wine.
Pig bristle herb also has anti-tuberculosis properties and has been proven effective in the treatment of scrofula, which can be used as evidence.
Picture of pig bristle herb
【Application Value of Pig Bristle Herb】
In terms of medicinal value, pig bristle herb can clear heat, detoxify, eliminate dampness, and reduce swelling. It is used for dysentery, scrofula, lung heat cough, hepatitis, urinary tract infection, snake bites, and bruises.
Pharmacological studies have shown that Adiantum pedatum has anti-tumor, anti-cardiovascular disease, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immune-regulating, blood sugar-lowering, antioxidant, and anti-aging effects.
Pig bristle herb has a bitter and cool nature, and it is good at clearing heat, transforming phlegm, promoting diuresis, reducing swelling, and dispelling wind and dampness. Therefore, it can be used for lung heat cough, hemoptysis, joint pain, cloudy urine with discharge, and various skin conditions such as ulcers and eczema.
In terms of horticultural value, pig bristle herb prefers shade, has strong adaptability, and is easy to cultivate. It is suitable for indoor potted plants for year-round ornamental purposes.
Small pots can be placed on desks and coffee tables, while larger pots can be used to decorate window sills, corridors, or living rooms in shaded rooms. The fronds of Adiantum pedatum are also good materials for leaf cutting and dried flower arrangements.
Picture of pig bristle herb
【Cultivation Methods of Pig Bristle Herb】
1. Adequate Water Supply
Generally, the soil should be kept moist, and it is important to ensure adequate water supply during its growth period. Increase the humidity in the air during dry weather. It should not suffer from water shortage in summer. Daily watering should not make the soil excessively wet and then dry quickly, as this will cause the leaves to turn yellow.
2. Suitable Temperature
Pig bristle herb is not very demanding on temperature, but attention should be paid to high temperatures in summer and low temperatures in winter. In general, the indoor temperature should be above 5 degrees Celsius in winter, and in summer, it should be placed in a cool and ventilated place at around 25 degrees Celsius. Direct sunlight will cause leaf burn.
3. Soil Requirements
The soil should not be too poor. Pig bristle herb generally grows in sandy soil rich in organic matter. It can also be cultivated using potting soil. Fertilize monthly, applying the fertilizer to the roots. Repotting and changing soil are important in spring when it needs to grow.
