Earthworm rhizome, also known as Ganluoer, Baota cabbage, and earth silkworm, is abundant from December to January. It is commonly used as a medicinal herb and is also known as Ganluoer, Baota cabbage, and earth silkworm. It is abundant from December to January.
Earthworm rhizome
Earthworm rhizome is often used as an ornamental plant because of its resemblance to silkworm pupae. It gained popularity between 1996 and 2000 when it was falsely marketed as fresh "Cordyceps sinensis", commanding high prices. Many people were deceived without realizing it. However, after being promoted, it has now become an emerging vegetable.
The plant grows to a height of 15-25 centimeters, with square stems and dense fine hairs covering the entire plant. The leaves are opposite, oblong, blunt at the tip, and have serrated edges. It blooms from spring to summer, with light purple flowers. The underground tubers are short and segmented, white in color, resembling silkworm bodies, and have a crispy texture.
Distribution:
It is originally from East Asia and mainland China. It has been cultivated in Taiwan for over 15 years since its introduction from mainland China.
It is distributed in Hebei, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Sichuan and other areas.
Growing environment:
It prefers warm temperatures and dislikes high temperatures and humidity. The optimum temperature for growth is 15-25 degrees Celsius. It grows near water or in wetlands.
Medicinal value of earthworm rhizome
【Functions and indications】
It calms the liver, relieves wind, reduces fever, and eliminates spasms. It is used for hypertension, stroke, high fever in children, convulsions, malaria, urinary tract infections, foreign bodies embedded in the flesh, bone fractures; externally used to treat otitis media, abscesses, unidentified swelling and toxins, clearing heat and promoting diuresis, and dissolving stones.
【Usage and dosage】
Take 1-2 minutes. For external use, apply an appropriate amount of dried and powdered herb to the affected area.
