Diyu is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine in clinical practice. It is usually harvested in the autumn and has excellent hemostatic properties when used medicinally. However, it is important to be aware of the contraindications of Diyu!
【Effects and Functions of Diyu】
1. Hemostatic properties
The hemostatic properties of Diyu are particularly prominent. Pharmacological studies have also shown this. Research has shown that the tannin components of Diyu can shorten the coagulation time, thus achieving hemostatic effects.
2. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
Research has shown that Diyu has an improvement effect on swelling caused by inflammation, and it also has an inhibitory effect on various bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Shigella, and Proteus.
3. Antiemetic properties
Pharmacological studies have also shown that Diyu has antiemetic properties and can inhibit vomiting caused by digitalis.
【Applications of Diyu in Medicinal Formulas】
1. Hematemesis in men and women: Take three liang of Diyu and one liter of rice vinegar. Boil for more than ten times, remove the residue, and take one he of the mixture slightly warm before meals. (From "Shenghui Fang")
2. Bloody stools, persistent abdominal pain: Take four liang of Diyu and three liang of roasted licorice. Take five qian of the mixture with three cups of water, add seven pieces of shrunk sandalwood, boil for one and a half cups, and take in two doses. (From "Xuanming Fang")
3. Infantile malnutrition and dysentery: Extract the juice from Diyu, boil it until it becomes like rock candy, and take it. (From "Zhouhou Fang")
4. Snake bites: Crush fresh Diyu roots and drink the juice, and soak the wound with it. (From "Zhouhou Fang")
5. Tiger or dog bites: Drink the juice extracted from Diyu, and apply the powder on the wound. It can also be taken as a powder with boiled water, three times a day. Avoid alcohol. (From "Meishi Fang")
【Contraindications of Diyu】
Diyu has a cold property, and excessive intake can increase the burden on the body, leading to diseases caused by excessive coldness. This is the most common side effect of Diyu.
In addition, people with weak spleen and stomach and those with a cold constitution should avoid taking Diyu to avoid aggravating symptoms of coldness. They may experience abdominal pain or diarrhea after taking Diyu.
Diyu contains tannin components, so it is not suitable for external application on burn patients with large areas of burns. It should not be taken concurrently with enzyme preparations (such as pepsin, amylase, and pancreatin) to prevent excessive absorption of tannin, which may cause toxic hepatitis.
