1. Description:
Phytolacca Acinosa (scientific name: Phytolacca Acinosa Roxb (syn. P. esculenta Van Houtte, P. latbenia (Moq.) Walter), also known as Indian poke, Chinese: Shang Lu, 商陆), a species of perennial plant in genus Phytolacca (Phytolaccaceae family). Found in Southern and eastern Asia, the plant can grow up to 1.5 meter tall. The roots of phytolacca acinosa acts as discutient, diuretic and dampness-dispelling drug in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) used in treating diseases including edema and various skin disease.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
The dried root of phytolacca acinosa is considered to have bitter and cold properties and to be associated with the lung, spleen and kidney meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Phytolacca Acinosa & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Reducing Inflammation And Relieving Pain
Crucian cooked with fresh phytolacca acinosa root and vigna umbellata seeds is taken on an empty stomach to treat edema (swelling caused by fluid retention).
3.2 Skin Health
A decoction of phytolacca acinosa root is used externally to treat painful and repeated lumps of pus.
3.3 The Excretory System
A decoction of phytolacca acinosa root, rhizomes of Alisma orientale, vigna umbellata seeds (fried), notopterygium root, the shell of areca nut, akebia stem, the bark of ash, bark of poria cocos and betel nut is taken orally to difficulty passing urine.
The Ben Cao Medical Book (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica or Ben Cao Gang Mu; Chinese: 本草纲目) is the most famous and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compiled and written by Li Shi-zhen (1518~1593), a medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over 27 years.
The Ben Cao Medical Book records and describes all the plants, animals, minerals, and other objects that were believed to have medicinal properties in TCM. The book reflects the pharmaceutical achievements and developments of East Asia before the 16th century. On the basis of his predecessors’ achievements in the pharmacological studies, Li contributed further by supplementing and rectifying many past mistakes and misconception in relate to nature of many medicinal substances and causes of various illnesses. Charles Darwin, originator of the biological theory of evolution, regards the book as the “ancient Chinese encyclopedia”.
Disclaimer: The Ben Cao Medical Book is translated by ChinaAbout.net . The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of CTM knowledge and information from the research and experience from the author Li Shi-zhen. Kindly be alert that the CTM knowledge and ancient formulas given above are likely NOT medically proven and may contain misconceptions.