Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut

(Shaanxi Chinese herbal medicine)

Polygonum hydropiper.

[source] it is the whole plant of Polygonum shenyeshanense.

[plant morphology] Polygonum wilsonii

Perennial herbs, 15-30 cm high. Stem erect. The leaves are usually clustered, with long stalks at the base; the leaves are kidney shaped, 1.5-3 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, blunt at the top, broad cordate at the base, entire or microwave-shaped; the leaves on the stem are often degenerated, with only membranous stipules and sometimes 1-2 leaflets. Panicle terminal, pedicel slender; flowers small, bisexual, light green, perianth segments 4, in two rounds, the inner ring perianth segments slightly enlarged, obovate; stamens 6; style 2. Achene oblate, margin membranous wing, tip concave, wing light red.

Born in a mountain slope or valley. It is distributed in Jilin, Shaanxi, Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan and Tibet.

[collection] harvest in summer and autumn and dry in the sun.

Sour and cool.

Functions and indications: clearing heat and removing dampness. It is used to treat liver qi, hepatitis and scurvy.

[usage and dosage] oral administration: decoction, 3-4 yuan.