The root or whole plant of Rosa laevigata, belonging to the Rosaceae family, is known as Dahuapo. It has the functions of clearing heat, stopping bleeding, and dispelling rheumatism. It is commonly used to treat symptoms such as fever, coughing up blood, irregular menstruation, and rheumatic pain. Let's now learn about the morphological characteristics and applications of Dahuapo.
Morphological Characteristics of Dahuapo
Dahuapo is a shrub that grows 2-3m tall. The stem is thick and covered with yellow hairs and short bent spines. The leaves are alternate, with leaf stalks measuring 3-6cm long and covered with yellow soft hairs. The leaf blade is leathery, nearly circular, with a diameter of 5-16cm and 7-9 shallow lobes. The lobes are often 2 shallow lobes or have notches, with a rounded or acute tip and a heart-shaped base. The edges have irregular serrations. The upper surface has short hairs and dense small projections, while the lower surface is covered with yellow hairs. The main veins are palmate, with 5-7 prominent secondary veins. The flowers are arranged in cone-shaped or cymose inflorescences, densely covered with yellow hairs.
The bracts are elliptical, 1-1.5cm long, with torn edges. The sepals are ovate, often with multiple divisions at the apex, and densely covered with yellow hairs on the outside. The petals are slightly longer than the sepals, nearly elliptical in shape, and white with a claw. There are numerous stamens and pistils, which are borne on the elevated receptacle. The aggregate fruit is spherical, up to 1.5cm in diameter, and bears numerous red berry-like drupes. The flowering period is from April to June, and the fruiting period is from August to September.
Clinical Applications of Dahuapo
1. Treatment of dysentery
Take 3 liang (approximately 90 grams) of fresh Dahuapo root bark, 2 liang (approximately 60 grams) of fresh Longyacao root, and 1 liang (approximately 30 grams) of fresh Baijintiao root. Boil them in water and drink the decoction three to four times a day, with two small wine cups each time.
2. Treatment of coughing up blood and limb weakness
Take 2 liang (approximately 60 grams) of fresh Dahuapo, 1 liang (approximately 30 grams) of fresh Bucrania root, and 5 qian (approximately 15 grams) of Kuihuaganxin stem. Boil them in water to make a concentrated solution. Drink it four times a day, with a teacup each time.
3. Treatment of irregular menstruation
Take 1 liang (approximately 30 grams) of Dahuapo root, 1 liang (approximately 30 grams) of Daochusan root, 5 qian (approximately 15 grams) of Maocao root, and 5 qian (approximately 15 grams) of Jinyinhua vine. Boil them in water and add brown sugar. Drink the decoction three times a day.
4. Treatment of non-compound fractures
Take equal amounts of Dahuapo root, wild grape root bark, and Baiwei ginseng. Grind them together and stir-fry them with alcohol until hot. First, use manual techniques to reduce the fracture, then apply the medicine and immobilize the fracture with a splint. Change the dressing once a day, depending on the size of the affected area.
