1. Description:
Sorghum bicolor (scientific name: Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench; also known as sorghum, great millet, durra, jowari, or milo; Chinese Pinyin: Gao Liang, Simplified Chinese: 高粱, 蜀黍, 蜀秫, 芦, 芦粟, 木稷, 荻粱), is a species of annual erect cereal crop in genus Sorghum (grasses family, Poaceae). Originated in northern Africa, and widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions in the world, the plant can grow up to 5 m tall. The fruit-spike and root of Sorghum bicolor are used as spleen tonic, anti-diarrheal, an aid for digestion and ocyodinic in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as cholera and indigestion.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
Sorghum bicolor is considered to have sweet, astringent, warm and nontoxic properties and to be associated with the spleen and stomach meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Sorghum Bicolor & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Nourish The Spleen And Stomach
Sorghum bicolor porridge with crystal sugar is eaten to invigorate the spleen and reinforce the stomach.
Sorghum bicolor can also help strengthen the stomach and treat acute gastritis (a sudden inflammation or swelling in the lining of the stomach).
3.2 Promote Diuresis
A decoction of Sorghum bicolor root can serve as a diuretic to promote diuresis and increase production of urine.
3.3 Prevent CVD (Cardiovascular Disease)
Sorghum bicolor is often distilled to produce one form of clear spirits known as white spirit (Bai Jiu 白酒) of which the most famous is Moutai (or Maotai). White spirit contains various polyacid and can help to prevent Cardiovascular disease (CVD) as well as to slow the aging process.
4. Contraindication, Side-effects & Cautions:
Administration with caution for people with constipation.
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.