Shixi grass is the dried aerial part of the chrysanthemum plant Shixi, Adenophora lobophylla, or Adenophora stricta. It can be harvested before and during the flowering period in summer and autumn, and after removing impurities, it can be dried. Shixi grass has the functions of dispelling wind and dampness, promoting joint health, and clearing heat and detoxifying. It is mainly used for rheumatism, lumbago, and other diseases.
Characteristics:
The stems of Shixi grass are slightly square-shaped, branching, 30-110cm long, and 0.3-1cm in diameter. The surface is grayish-green, yellow-brown, or purple-brown, with longitudinal grooves and fine longitudinal stripes, covered with gray soft hairs. The nodes are distinct and slightly swollen. The texture is brittle and easy to break. The cross-section is yellowish-white or greenish, with a broad medulla, white in color, and hollow. The leaves are opposite, wrinkled and curled, and when flattened, they are ovate in shape, grayish-green, with dull serrations on the edges, and both sides covered with white soft hairs. The main veins are 3-branched. Some may have yellow inflorescences with spoon-shaped involucral bracts. It has a slight odor and a slightly bitter taste.
Processing method:
Shixi grass is cleaned, slightly moistened, and cut into sections, then dried.
Shixi grass soaked in wine: Take sections of Shixi grass and steam them thoroughly with wine. For every 100kg of Shixi grass, use 20kg of yellow wine.
Functions and indications:
Dispels wind and dampness, promotes joint health, and detoxifies. It is used for rheumatism, weakness in tendons and bones, lumbago, numbness in limbs, hemiplegia, and wind-induced skin sores.
Usage and contraindications:
Suitable for people with rheumatism, weakness in tendons and bones, lumbago, stroke, facial and eye deviation, hemiplegia, wind-induced skin sores, animal bites, malaria, jaundice, and other conditions. Especially suitable for patients with rheumatism and damp-heat symptoms. Avoid use in people without rheumatism.
Experts suggest that Shixi grass is suitable for raw use to clear heat and detoxify, and for dispelling wind and dampness and promoting blood circulation when processed. It is best to store it in a ventilated and dry place to avoid mold and affect the efficacy.
