Pucao root is a commonly used traditional Chinese herb in Sichuan. It has a taste of "bitter and cool" and can be used to treat toothaches and urinary problems caused by heat. It is usually collected in autumn. Today, let's explore the efficacy and functions of Pucao root from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine.
Pucao root image
Pucao root
【Alias】 Xicao root, Mangcao, Sanjiaocao, Shui Sanlengcao, Simao grass, Sanlengguan, Ducao root, Daxin core
【Meridian Tropism】 Stomach meridian, kidney meridian, bladder meridian.
【Properties】 Cool
【Taste】 Bitter, bland.
【Source】 The root of the plant Eriophorum spp. in the family Cyperaceae.
【Plant Morphology】 Eriophorum spp.
A perennial herb, 30-120 cm tall. It has fibrous roots with a short rhizome. The stem is triangular in shape, clustered, and sharp. The leaves are degenerate into two leaf sheaths, which grow at the base of the stem, membranous, brown, and obliquely truncate at the top. The spikelets are ovate-elliptic, 8-15 mm long, 4-6 mm wide, 3-20 florets are connate, forming a lateral, solitary head-like inflorescence; the bracts are triangular, an extension of the stem, 2-10 cm long; the scales are ovate, pale brown, about 4 mm long, with a short apex and ridges, arranged in an imbricate pattern, with the lower 1-2 empty, the others with one bisexual flower, the topmost withered, 6 downward barbed hairs, 3 stamens, 3-lobed stigma. The nutlet is inverted ovate or flattened triangular, black and shiny when ripe. It blooms from July to August.
Pucao root
It is found in marshes, riverbanks, stream sides, and fields. It is distributed in Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Hunan, Sichuan, Yunnan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi and other places.
Source
《Chinese Materia Medica》
Efficacy and Functions of Pucao Root
It clears heat, promotes diuresis, and detoxifies. It is mainly used for treating hot lin syndrome, urinary problems, leukorrhea, and swollen gums.
Functions and Indications of Pucao Root
Pucao root: "Clears heat, promotes diuresis. It treats hot lin syndrome, toothaches, lin syndrome, and leukorrhea."
Collection of Pucao Root
Pucao root is collected in autumn and dried in the sun.
The dosage for internal use of Pucao root is 1-2 liang when decocted in water.
Discussions from Various Schools
《Commonly Used Chinese Materia Medica in Sichuan》: Clears heat, promotes diuresis; treats hot lin syndrome, toothaches, lin syndrome, and leukorrhea.
