Suantengmu is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine in rural areas. It refers to the branches, leaves, or roots of the plant Acidanthera, which belongs to the Gentianaceae family. The fruit of Acidanthera is called Suantengguo in Chinese medicine. Both Suantengmu and Suantengguo have the effect of clearing heat and stopping bleeding.
【Identification】
The leaves are often curled and become inverted ovate to elliptical in shape when flattened, measuring 3-5.5cm in length and 1-2.5cm in width. The apex is blunt or slightly concave, and the base is wedge-shaped. The leaves have smooth edges, and the lateral veins are not prominent.
The leaf stalk is short, measuring 5-3mm in length. Sometimes small cylindrical branches can be seen, varying in length, and are purple-brown in color. The odor is faint, and the taste is sour.
【Functions and Indications】
Suantengmu has the functions of clearing heat, detoxifying, dispersing stasis, and stopping bleeding. It is mainly used to treat red and swollen throat, gum bleeding, dysentery, diarrhea, ulcers, itchy skin, painful hemorrhoids, and bruises.
【Usage and Dosage】
Orally: Decoction, 9-15g. Topical: Appropriate amount, crushed and applied; or boiled and used for washing; or used as a gargle.
【Ancient Records】
1. "Lu Chuan Ben Cao": Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial. It is used to treat oral inflammation, pharyngitis, gum inflammation, ulcers, etc. It also detoxifies the toxicity of large tea, wood fungus, and croton.
2. "Nanning Pharmaceutical Chronicle": Insecticide, swelling reduction, digestion promotion. It is used externally for bruises and ulcers. It is taken orally to treat internal and external hemorrhoids (and used for external washing), throat pain, and foot pain (from stepping on dog feces).
3. "Common Traditional Chinese Medicinal Herb Manual of Guangzhou Troops": Promotes blood circulation, relieves pain, astringes, and stops diarrhea. It is used to treat bruises and pain from falls, intestinal inflammation and diarrhea, and throat swelling and pain.
【Clinical Applications】
Suantengmu has the effects of promoting blood circulation, reducing swelling, dispersing wind, promoting fetal development, clearing heat, detoxifying, and relieving pain. It is commonly used to treat symptoms such as intestinal inflammation, oral inflammation, pharyngitis, abscess, bruises, and throat swelling and pain. Suantengmu can also be used to treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
In folk traditions, rural people often use Suantengmu to treat oral inflammation. The method is to boil Suantengmu in water, and after boiling, use the water to rinse the mouth for treating oral inflammation.
