Wolfbane Grass, as a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, has many effects and functions. Let's learn about the effects and functions of Wolfbane Grass and its application in prescriptions.
Image of Wolfbane Grass
Introduction to Wolfbane Grass
Wolfbane Grass (scientific name: Bidens tripartita L.), also known as Ghost Fork, Ghost Needle, Ghost Thorn, etc., is an annual herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family. The stem is erect, 30-80 centimeters tall, and sometimes up to 90 centimeters; it branches from the base and is hairless. The leaves are opposite, the leaves at the top of the stem are small, sometimes undivided, the leaves in the middle and lower parts of the stem are pinnately or deeply divided; the lobes are 3-5, ovoid lanceolate to narrowly lanceolate, rarely near oval, the base is wedge-shaped, rarely near circular, the apex is pointed or gradually pointed, the margin is sparsely irregularly serrated, and the upper lobes are usually larger than the lower ones; the leaf stalk has wings. The inflorescence is terminal, spherical or flattened spherical; the involucre has 2 rows of bracts, the inner row is lanceolate, membranous, the same length as or slightly shorter than the inflorescence, the outer row is lanceolate or lanceolate in reverse, longer than the inflorescence, leaf-like; the flowers are tubular and yellow; the stigma is 2-cleft.
Effects and Functions of Wolfbane Grass
Wolfbane Grass is mainly used to treat bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, dysentery, erysipelas, and tinea.
① "Compendium of Materia Medica": "Also used for chronic dysentery, abdominal distension in children, erysipelas, and cold and heat associated with it. Take the root and stem, boil and take it."
② "Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica": "Used to treat bloody dysentery."
③ "Outline": "Used to treat long-term tinea, itching in cloudy weather, and yellow fluid when scratched, grind it into powder and mix it."
④ "Minnan Materia Medica": "Nourishes yin, benefits the lungs, clears heat, and detoxifies. Used to treat cough, wheezing, and sore throat."
Prescriptions of Wolfbane Grass
① Treatment of bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis: Fresh Wolfbane Grass, one or two liang. Decoction and take it. ("Fujian Chinese Herbal Medicine")
Image of Wolfbane Grass
② Treatment of diphtheria, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis: Fresh Wolfbane Grass, three to four liang, plus six fresh olives or five qian of fresh Radix Et Rhizoma Asparagi. Decoction and take it. ("Fujian Chinese Herbal Medicine")
③ Treatment of sore throat: Fresh Wolfbane Grass, five qian to one or two liang. Stew with rock sugar and take it. ("Minnan Materia Medica")
④ Treatment of bloody dysentery: Two jin of Wolfbane Grass, grind and extract one small liter of juice, mix it with half a chicken egg white, stir well, and take it on an empty stomach. If there is no fresh grass, only collect the shade-dried seedlings, grind them into powder, and take one square centimeter spoonful of the powder with half a cup of honey water. ("Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica")
⑤ Treatment of eczema: Crush the fresh leaves of Wolfbane Grass and apply the juice. ("Fujian Chinese Herbal Medicine")
⑥ Treatment of tinea: Grind the leaves of Wolfbane Grass into powder, mix with vinegar, and apply. ("Fujian Chinese Herbal Medicine")
Wolfbane Grass and its related plant, Bidens pilosa, are both called "Douzhaocao" in Sichuan Province and are used in the same way. Bidens pilosa is the main variety of the herbal medicine "Jinzhan Yinpan" in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, see the entry for "Jinzhan Yinpan".
Usage and Dosage of Wolfbane Grass
Oral administration: Decoction, 2-5 qian (fresh ones 1-2 liang); grind into powder and make a paste for external use.
