The bitter Tanzi is the seed or fruit of the leguminous plant Thick Fruit Chicken Blood Vine. It is harvested after the fruit is ripe in October, and the fruit skin is removed. The seeds are dried and can be used. Let's learn about the efficacy and function of bitter Tanzi!
【Characteristics of Bitter Tanzi】
The seeds of bitter Tanzi are flat and slightly kidney-shaped, and are located at the ends of the pods. One side is round, and the other side is flat; the seeds located in the middle of the pods are flat on both sides. They are about 4cm long and 3cm thick.
The surface is reddish-brown to blackish-brown, shiny, or with a thin gray-white film, and the navel is located in the middle of the waist depression.
Two cotyledons, thick and horny, easily split longitudinally; there are irregular protrusions around the navel, causing the cotyledons to split longitudinally and unevenly.
It has a slight aroma, a mild taste, and a numbing sensation. It is best to use those with reddish-brown skin, large size, and no insect damage.
【Symptoms of Poisoning by Bitter Tanzi】
Bitter Tanzi is highly toxic. This species is listed as a poisonous plant in the Chinese Plant Atlas database, and its toxicity is mainly found in the seeds and roots. The symptoms of poisoning in humans are similar to that of the plant "Maoyuteng", including vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, dry mucous membranes, rapid breathing, and confusion.
Mice injected with 1g/kg of the extract showed prostration and increased respiration, and when injected with 5g/kg, they experienced respiratory distress, convulsions, and death. It is used in rural areas as a fish poison and insecticide, with the same toxicity to insect larvae as arsenic.
Due to its high toxicity, it is often used externally, and oral administration should be cautious. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, dry mucous membranes, rapid breathing, and confusion, with initial nervous excitement followed by paralysis.
Rescue methods: Gastric lavage, administration of lubricating protective agents, and fluid supplementation may be considered in the early stages of poisoning. However, in Yunnan Simao, the roots of this plant were mashed and the juice was taken orally at a dose of 2-3 qian to treat acute gastroenteritis, with satisfactory results. It can be tried under strict observation if conditions permit.
【Medicinal Uses of Bitter Tanzi】
1. Treatment of malnutrition in children: Five parts of roasted bitter Tanzi fruit. Steam with chicken liver or grind and take with water.
2. Treatment of hand and foot pain: Two liang of bitter Tanzi. Boil in water and take orally.
3. Treatment of joint pain: Two liang of fresh bitter Tanzi, two liang of fresh Maple Lotus Pear, one liang each of Mountain Pepper, Star Anise, Gua Fu Mu, Wu Jia Pi, Shi Song, five qian of Niu Xi, two qian of Tian Qi, and one pig's foot for decoction. Take twice.
4. Treatment of excessive sweating due to physical weakness: Three liang of fresh bitter Tanzi. Boil in water and drink with two eggs.
