Xueshan Yizhihao is a widely circulated and used traditional Chinese medicine for treating injuries and pain. However, due to its high toxicity, it must be processed before use. Now let's learn about the processing method of Xueshan Yizhihao together!
[Plant Morphology]
Xueshan Yizhihao is the rhizome of the plant Aconitum gymnandrum in the Ranunculaceae family. It is a perennial herb that grows to about 90 centimeters tall. The rhizome is inverted cone-shaped. The stem is covered with short soft hairs.
The leaves are opposite, petiolate, palmately divided, with lobes that are shallowly lobed or coarsely toothed. The upper surface is green with a few short hairs, while the lower surface is light green and nearly hairless.
The inflorescence is terminal, with many flowers; there are 2 bracts, linear, and located above the middle of the flower stalks; the sepals are petal-like, yellow-green, with one sepal on top forming a helmet shape.
The rhizome is cone-shaped or elongated cylindrical, with a deep brown to brownish-brown surface, wrinkled and shriveled, with a few root marks. It is hard and difficult to break, with a milky white or light brown powdery texture, and scattered brown dots can be seen on the cross-section.
[Processing Method]
Xueshan Yizhihao should not be taken internally without processing. Do not exceed the recommended dosage when taken orally. Pregnant women and people with weak constitutions should avoid using it.
1. When processing, soak Xueshan Yizhihao in cold water, change the water 2-3 times a day, until there is no tingling sensation when tasted, then remove and cook it together with licorice and black beans until there is no white core inside. After that, take it out and dry it.
2. Soak it in clear water for 7 days, changing the water twice a day. After the center becomes soft and translucent, slice it and steam it in a steamer for 2-3 hours, then take it out and dry it.
Then, mix it thoroughly with hot lard or wrap it in wet paper, place it next to a charcoal fire to cook it thoroughly, remove the paper, soak it in children's urine for one day and one night, take it out, rinse it clean, and dry it.
[Medication Taboos]
Xueshan Yizhihao originates from Yunnan and is widely used as a pain-relieving medicine for injuries and bruises by the people of Sichuan.
Although it has remarkable effects on bruises, swelling, rheumatism, and various internal and external pain, both when taken orally or applied externally, it is highly toxic. When used properly, it can treat diseases, but when used improperly, it can be fatal. It is not uncommon for people to mistakenly take an overdose and die from poisoning.
Xueshan Yizhihao is highly toxic, mainly composed of aconitine. When used properly, it can treat diseases, but when used improperly or in excessive amounts, it is extremely toxic. The traditional Chinese medicine formula uses mung beans and honeysuckle to detoxify it. It is not uncommon for people to mistakenly take an overdose and die from poisoning.
