Acid fruit is the fruit of the plant Acid fruit in the family Gentianaceae, while white flower acid fruit is a species in the genus Acid fruit in the family Gentianaceae. There are both similarities and differences between the two. Let's analyze them from the aspects of morphological characteristics and harvesting efficacy to see what the connections and differences between the two are.
【Acid Fruit】
Acid fruit, also known as Xintongzi, Rugelong, and Acid fruit, is the fruit of the plant Acid fruit in the family Gentianaceae. The branches and leaves are harvested in summer, and the branches and leaves are harvested throughout the year. It has the effects of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, promoting blood circulation and relieving pain, clearing heat and detoxifying, and astringing and stopping diarrhea.
1. Identification characteristics
Deciduous vine-like shrubs or vines. Branches are gray or reddish-brown. Bald. Leaves are alternate; papery; ovate to narrowly rounded, 3-6 cm long, 1-2 cm wide, blunt or rounded at the apex, wedge-shaped at the base, entire, bald on both sides; petiole is about 5 mm long. The flowers are monoecious: dense cymose inflorescences axillary or lateral; inflorescence is 5-10 cm long, with 3-8 flowers; pedicel is about 2 mm long; calyx is 4-lobed; petals are 4, white; stamens are 4. The ovary degenerates in the male flowers. The berries are spherical, about 5 mm in diameter, and turn dark red when ripe. Flowering period is in spring. It grows in sunny slopes and sparse forests on hillsides. It is distributed in various parts of southern China.
2. Nature, taste, and efficacy
Fruit: sour, sweet, flat. It can strengthen and nourish blood, treat gastric acid deficiency, and improve appetite. Branches and leaves: sour, astringent, flat. It has the effects of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, promoting blood circulation and relieving pain, clearing heat and detoxifying, and astringing and stopping diarrhea. It can be used to treat sore throat, gum bleeding, spleen deficiency and diarrhea, bruises, hemorrhoids, etc. The recommended dosage is 9-15 grams.
3. Application
Fresh fruit can be decocted alone and used to treat gastric acid deficiency and gum bleeding.
【White Flower Acid Fruit】
White flower acid fruit, also known as Zaohe acid, is the root of the plant white flower acid fruit in the family Gentianaceae. It is harvested in autumn and has the effects of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, reducing swelling and relieving pain.
1. Identification characteristics
Climbing shrubs. Old branches have obvious lenticels. Leaves are alternate. They are thick and papery; leaf blades are ovate or nearly elliptical. The apex is blunt, the base is rounded or slightly wedge-shaped, the margin is entire, and both sides are hairless. The lower side is slightly powdery white, and the lateral veins are not obvious. The petiole has narrow wings. The flowers are self-colored, monoecious, and form terminal cymose inflorescences; calyx is 5-4, petals are 5-4. The stamens in the male flowers are as long as the petals. The pistils in the female flowers are as long as or slightly shorter than the petals. The berries are nearly spherical, red or dark purple when ripe, wrinkled and glandular when dry. Flowering period is in spring and summer. It grows in sunny slopes and shrubs on hillsides. It is distributed in various parts of southern China.
2. Nature, taste, and efficacy
Sweet, sour, flat. It promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis, reduces swelling and relieves pain. The recommended dosage is 10-15 grams. It can also be used externally in appropriate amounts by crushing and applying.
3. Application
(1) The root can be decocted alone and used to treat dysentery, acute gastroenteritis, amenorrhea, and bleeding from external injuries.
(2) Fresh leaves can be crushed and applied to treat external injuries and swelling.
