Nvwei is a traditional Chinese medicine for dispelling wind and dampness. It is the stem of the Ranunculaceae plant Nvwei. It is harvested in autumn, and the aboveground stem is peeled and cut into segments and dried. It has the functions of dispelling wind and dampness, and warming the middle and regulating qi. Now let's learn about the efficacy, function, and morphological characteristics of Nvwei.
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【Morphological Characteristics of Nvwei】
The stem of Nvwei is square and can reach several meters in length. It can be entwined or cut into segments, with a diameter of 1-5mm. The surface is grayish-green or brownish-green, usually with 6 more obvious longitudinal ridges;
It is covered with white soft hairs, brittle in texture, easy to break, and the cross-section is not flat. The wood is yellowish-white and can be seen with numerous small vascular pores. The pith is loose.
The leaves are paired, with three compound leaves. The leaflets are often wrinkled and fragmented. The intact leaflets are ovate or broadly ovate, and the terminal leaflet is larger than the lateral leaflets, often with 3 shallow incisions that are not obvious;
The edges have serrations or teeth resembling notches, dark green, and both sides have short soft hairs. The petiole is 2-9cm long and often twisted. Some have flowers and fruits. It has a slight odor and a slightly bitter and astringent taste.
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【Efficacy and Function of Nvwei】
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Nvwei has the functions of dispelling wind and dampness, and warming the middle and regulating qi. It is mainly used to treat rheumatism, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal pain, intestinal rumbling, difficult urination, edema, and other symptoms.
1. "Tang Bencao": "It is used to treat wind-cold diarrhea, cholera, intestinal rumbling, epilepsy, various cold and heat diseases, and excessive sweating."
2. "Hunan Materia Medica": "It is used to treat edema in pregnant women and goiter under the neck."
3. "Treat prolonged dysentery and prolapse of anus: Take 1 sheng of Nvwei (cut), burn and fumigate it." ("Chanyu Jiyun Fang")
4. "Treat muscle and bone pain: Take 5 qian of Nvwei vine, 5 qian of Manxing Qianjinba, 3 qian of roadside thorns, and 2 qian of old hook vine. Decoct in water and take orally." ("Hunan Materia Medica")
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【Taboo of Nvwei】
Oral administration: Decoction, 15-30g. External use: Appropriate amount, pound fresh product for application; or decoct in water for fumigation and washing.
The dosage of Nvwei should not be too large when taken internally, otherwise it may cause discomfort in the stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, chest tightness, limb weakness, or facial swelling.
"Xin San" prolonged dysentery and prolapse of anus: Take 1 sheng of Nvwei (cut), burn and fumigate it.
"Yang's Lactation Formula" unstoppable vaginal bleeding: Take 1 or two liang of Nvwei and Yunshi, two liang of Chuanwu, and five qian of Guixin. Grind into powder, make into pill form the size of Wuzi, take five pills with water, three times a day.
Nvwei has a wide range of value, not only has high medicinal value but also has great ornamental value. It can be cultivated as a green plant and has a good ornamental effect.
