Tianpengcao is the whole plant of the Caryophyllaceae plant Paronychia argentea. It is also known as Xuelihua, Hancao, and Quezhicao. It has high medicinal value. It not only has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, but also has a good effect of dispelling wind and dispersing cold. Let's learn about the efficacy and function of Tianpengcao together!
What is Tianpengcao?
Tianpengcao is a perennial herb. The stem is slender, with sparse branches in the upper part and lying flat in the lower part, 15-30 cm tall, green or purple.
The leaves are opposite, sessile, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, 5-20 mm long, 2-8 mm wide, sharp at both ends, with golden margins or shallow wavy edges.
The inflorescence is umbel-like, terminal or axillary; the flowers are white, with slender flower stalks like silk; the calyx has 5 lanceolate sepals, pointed at the tip, membranous edges, and smooth surface.
The petals are 5, equal to or slightly shorter than the sepals, deeply divided to the base; stamens are 5; ovary is ovoid, with 2-3 styles. The capsule is slightly longer than the persistent calyx and splits into 6 lobes when mature. It flowers in spring.
Efficacy and function of Tianpengcao
1. "Illustrated Examination of Plant Names and Realities": "Tianpengcao, also known as Liangmao grass, grows in Jianchang River embankment. It has thin stems spreading on the ground, and there are more than a hundred stems in a cluster. There are three or two leaves at the stem tips, resembling newly grown willow leaves. The black roots are as thick as fingers. It is used by people to wash swelling and toxins."
2. "Additional Records on the Classification": "Applied to treat hemorrhoids."
3. "Fujian Folk Herbal Medicine": "Dispels wind and disperses cold, induces sweating and releases the exterior."
4. "Commonly Used Traditional Chinese Medicinal Herbs in Sichuan": "Clears heat, detoxifies, and stops bleeding. Used to treat cough, hemoptysis, nosebleeds, boils, and other conditions."
Medicinal uses of Tianpengcao
1. For treating cold and flu: Take 60g of Paronychia argentea and 15g of brown sugar. Decoct in water and take twice a day. Cover yourself with a blanket after taking the medicine to induce slight sweating.
2. For treating diarrhea in children: Take 30g of Tianpengcao and 60g of Portulaca oleracea. Decoct in water and take.
3. For treating hemorrhoids: Grind Xuelihua into powder. For wet hemorrhoids, mix with dry powder; for dry hemorrhoids, mix with sesame oil and apply 1-2 times. The hemorrhoids will shrink.
4. For treating bruises and injuries: Take 30g of Paronychia argentea and 60-120g of yellow wine. Decoct in water and take orally.
5. For treating snake bites: Take 30-60g of Paronychia argentea. Decoct in water and take orally. Take another handful, wash and mash it, and apply it to the wound.
