Su Mu, also known as Su Fang, Su Fang, Zong Mu, and Hong Chai, is mainly distributed in areas with low rainfall. It is cultivated in Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Guangxi, Fujian, and other provinces in China. Su Mu has the effects of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, reducing swelling and relieving pain, and can be used to treat women's blood stasis, dysmenorrhea, carbuncle, swelling, bruises, and tetanus.
Promoting blood circulation
The decoction of Su Mu can significantly promote microarterial blood flow and restore the diameter of microarteries. Su Mu can reduce coronary resistance, increase coronary flow, and slow down heart rate, which is beneficial for treating diseases such as tachycardia.
Enhancing immune function
Su Mu has a significant immunosuppressive effect, which can inhibit the transformation function of lymphocytes and IL-2 activity in a dose-dependent manner. Su Mu can improve the phagocytic capacity of the mononuclear macrophage system and has a significant inhibitory effect on DNCB-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity. It also enhances the formation of antibody-producing cells in humoral immune deficiency.
Anticoagulant
Su Mu can significantly reduce blood viscosity and has a significant inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation. In other words, Su Mu has anticoagulant functions, which is beneficial for preventing and treating thrombotic diseases.
Antibacterial
The decoction of Su Mu has a strong effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. It also has a significant effect on Corynebacterium diphtheriae, influenza bacillus, Salmonella paratyphi B, Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus hemolyticus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. It also has an effect on Bordetella pertussis, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi A and B, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Hypnotic
The infusion of Su Mu has a hypnotic effect, and excessive use can cause anesthesia and even death. It can counteract the central stimulant effect of barbiturates and cocaine but cannot counteract the stimulant effect of morphine.
Nutritional value of Su Mu
Su Mu contains colorless pigments, such as Brazilin, accounting for about 2% of its composition. It also contains Su Mu phenol, volatile oil, with the main components of water celeryene and basilene. It also contains tannins.
Contraindications of Su Mu
1. It is not suitable for those with blood deficiency and no blood stasis.
2. Pregnant women should avoid using Su Mu as it can promote blood circulation, which may have adverse effects on the fetus.
3. Infants should use Su Mu with caution. If it is necessary to use it as a medicinal herb, it should be done under the guidance of a doctor.
Methods of using Su Mu
1. Treating women's amenorrhea:
Su Mu can reduce swelling and relieve pain, while peach kernel can promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. The combination of the two can effectively treat women's amenorrhea, blood stasis abdominal pain, and various types of blood stasis pain.
2. Treating abdominal pain due to blood stasis:
Su Mu combined with motherwort can effectively promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. It can be used to treat abdominal pain due to blood stasis and postpartum lochia retention.
3. Treating measles:
Su Mu can promote blood circulation, while purple gromwell can cool blood and relieve rashes. The combination of the two can treat measles with stubborn rashes. Su Mu can also treat abscesses and swollen toxins.
4. Treating dysmenorrhea:
Su Mu can promote blood circulation and relieve pain, while Xiang Fu can promote qi circulation and relieve depression. The combination of the two has the effects of promoting blood circulation, regulating menstruation, and relieving pain. It can be used for abdominal pain, rib pain, and dysmenorrhea caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis.
5. Treating diabetes:
Take appropriate amounts of Su Mu, Shan Yu Rou, Ginseng, Astragalus, Chinese yam, pollen, Anemarrhena, and Shu Di. Decoction and take orally daily. It can be used to treat diabetes.
