Dajiugu Niu is the root of the plant Yangjiao Tianma in the family of Anacardiaceae. It grows in sunny grass slopes or shrubs at an altitude of 1100-2300m, mainly distributed in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces of China. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxification, relieving pain and stopping cough.
【Morphological Characteristics of Dajiugu Niu】
A shrub, about 1 meter tall, with thick and fat roots and sparse branches covered with white hairs. Leaves are alternate; leaf blades are ovate or elliptic, 3-6.5 cm long and 2-4.5 cm wide, with blunt or slightly pointed tips and rounded bases, irregularly serrated edges, and no stipules.
The flowers are small and white, monoecious, and arranged in terminal conical inflorescences. Male flowers have cup-shaped sepals with 4 lobes and lanceolate spoon-shaped petals. Female flowers have no petals, and the flower disk is annular. There are 2 leaf-like bracts, white in color.
Dajiugu Niu is cylindrical, measuring 3.7-7.5 cm in length, with a grayish-white or light brown surface that is opaque. If the outer skin is not completely removed, 3-4 rings and longitudinal grooves can be seen, and a layer of outer skin can be peeled off, resembling fibers. There are obvious knife marks. There is a concave or protruding stem scar at the top. It is hard and not easy to break, with an uneven cross-section resembling wood. It has a faint scent and a slightly bitter taste.
【Uses of Dajiugu Niu】
1. Dajiugu Niu Powder
Grind Dajiugu Niu, Chonglou, Baiji, Xiaozhanyao, and Wuxue Xiangteng into powder, and mix with honey or vinegar for external application.
2. Dajiugu Niu Wine
Soak 15 grams of Dajiugu Niu (mostly Acer truncatum) in 500 grams of white wine in a wide-mouthed bottle, cover tightly, and soak for 1 month to make the wine.
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