Root of caltrop

Root of caltrop

(Quanzhou materia medica)

[source] it is the root of oleanderaceae.

[plant morphology] lianziteng, also known as huaguai Teng.

Evergreen climbing vines. Branches weak, smooth, cylindrical; young branches pubescent. Leaves opposite, soft papery, subovate or ovate oblong, 6.5-9 cm long; 3-4.5 cm wide, apex short acuminate, apex slightly obtuse, base subcordate, both sides glabrous, lateral veins 4-6 pairs; petiole about 1.5 cm long. Cymes spreading, terminal and axillary, pendulous, 15 cm long, nearly glabrous; pedicels ca. 1 cm long; pollen red, 8 mm long, corolla high, pedunculate, tube dilated, corolla short, ovoid, glued to stigma. Follicles weak, very slender, pendulous, slightly twisted, ca. 30 cm long. Seeds flat, ca. 2 cm long, hairs white, only base pale brown, ca. as long as seeds. The flowering period is from May to July. The fruiting period is after November.

It is distributed in Guangxi, Guangdong, Yunnan, Guizhou, Shaanxi and other places.

[collection] it can be used at any time, washed, cut into sections and dried in the sun.

[flavor] bitter and pungent, slightly warm.

[channel tropism] enters the liver, kidney and spleen.

Functions and indications: ① activating collaterals and blood circulation, removing dampness and wind. Treatment of traumatic injury, joint gout, carbuncle and amenorrhea. (the following is Quanzhou materia medica)

② "Guangxi medicine plant directory": "treat anemia. "

[usage and dosage] oral administration: decoction, 3-5 yuan (3-4 Liang fresh).