Chinese herb "Da Wu Pao" is the whole plant of the plant genus Uncaria of the family Rosaceae. It is mainly distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Guizhou and other provinces in China. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Da Wu Pao has the functions of clearing heat and dampness, stopping bleeding, dispelling wind and dampness, and promoting bone healing. So how can we identify Da Wu Pao?
Image of Da Wu Pao
Da Wu Pao is a shrub, about 2-3m in height. The stem is thick and covered with yellow hairs and short curved thorns. The leaves are alternate, with a leaf stalk of 3-6cm long, covered with yellow soft hairs;
The stipules are lobed; the leaf blade is leathery, nearly circular, with a diameter of 5-16cm, and has 7-9 shallow lobes. The lobes are often 2 shallow lobes or have notches, with round blunt or acute tips, heart-shaped base, and irregular serrations on the edges;
Image of Da Wu Pao
There are short hairs and dense small protrusions on the upper surface, and yellow hairs on the lower surface; the main veins are palmate, with 5-7 lateral veins, and the reticulate veins are distinct. The conical or cymose inflorescences are terminal or axillary, densely covered with yellow hairs;
The bracts are elliptical, about 1-1.5cm long, with torn edges; the sepals are ovate, often with multiple lobes at the tips, and covered with yellow hairs on the outside; the petals are slightly longer than the sepals, nearly elliptical, white, with claws;
There are numerous stamens; the ovaries are numerous and borne on the elevated receptacles. The aggregate fruit is spherical, with a diameter of up to 1.5cm, and bears numerous red berry-like small drupes. The flowering period is from April to June, and the fruiting period is from August to September.
Image of Da Wu Pao
In April, the fruits of Da Wu Pao are green, turning red in July, then purple, and finally black when fully mature. The plants of Da Wu Pao are larger and bear more fruits. The fruits are black when fully mature.
Light red berries are not ripe, they are hard and not sweet. Dark red and purple berries have the best taste. If the berries are too black, just like overly experienced people, they are too mature and the taste becomes bland.
Pregnant women should consume Da Wu Pao in moderation and avoid using it as much as possible during pregnancy to prevent harm to the health of the fetus.
