Bai Juyi wrote: "Wildfire cannot burn out, and spring breeze blows again." Every winter, the wild grass in the wilderness starts to wither and turn yellow. But when spring comes, it begins to grow again, and the vigorous growth is truly astonishing. Dogtail grass, as a common weed, is despised by farmers. Just like the poem says, it grows again when the spring wind blows. If it is not uprooted, it grows too fast. Especially in farmland, it often spreads and affects the growth of plants in rice fields. It is referred to as a "troublesome weed" that disrupts the growth of good seedlings.
I believe that every adult has unique memories of dogtail grass in the wild. Most of the time, we simply see it as a weed. However, dogtail grass has long been recorded for its medicinal properties.
How historical books praise dogtail grass
The "Gangmu Shi Yi" states that it can treat boils and tinea, by rubbing the grass stem on the affected area. In other words, dogtail grass can be used to treat abscesses and skin diseases.
The "Guizhou Folk Medicine Collection" states that it has antipyretic properties and can treat eye diseases. It can also be used to treat warts. In other words, dogtail grass can be used to treat feverish diseases and help with eye diseases.
The "Luchuan Materia Medica" states that it can eliminate dampness, reduce swelling, and treat impetigo. In other words, dogtail grass can eliminate dampness and reduce swelling.
The efficacy of dogtail grass
Upon closer analysis, dogtail grass has a sweet and mild taste, and is a cool plant. It belongs to the heart and liver meridians. It is highly effective in treating heat-clearing, dampness-removing, wind-expelling, detoxifying, and insect-killing.
Some prescriptions also use dogtail grass to treat heat-related colds, jaundice, infantile marasmus, dysentery, and painful urination.
How to harvest dogtail grass
Usually, summer and autumn are the main seasons for harvesting dogtail grass. When harvesting, you can choose the root, wash it clean, cut it into slices, and then dry it for later use.
How to use
When using dogtail grass for its health benefits, it is important to pay attention. Use dried roots, around 20g, or fresh roots, around 50g. Boil them in water and take orally.
Generally, it is not recommended to dig dogtail grass in the wild by yourself. Although there is an abundance of dogtail grass outside, considering the environment, it is better to purchase it from a pharmacy to ensure safety.
Precautions
Even though dogtail grass is beneficial for the body, pregnant women should not use it. This is because dogtail grass is considered a cool ingredient, and improper use by pregnant women can lead to complications.
Other uses
Of course, for those who raise animals at home, dogtail grass is undoubtedly a good thing. Both the stem and leaves can be used as animal feed for pigs, horses, cows, and sheep.
This is the description of dogtail grass. Many people overlook its efficacy because it is so common on the roadside. However, when used correctly, dogtail grass is very beneficial for maintaining good health.
This article is copyrighted by Sanjiu Health Hall. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
