1. Description:
Sphagnum palustre (Syn. Sphagnum cymbifolium, also known as prairie sphagnum or blunt-leaved bogmoss, Chinese Pinyin: Zhi Li, Simplified Chinese: 陟厘, 泥炭藓, 侧梨, 水苔, 石发, 石衣, 水衣, 海花草), is a species of peat moss in genus Sphagnum (botanical moss family, Sphagnaceae). Found in moist and wet habitats like wet forests, coniferous forests and marshy meadows in Asia, Europe, America and Oceania, the plant can grow up to 20 cm tall. Sphagnum palustre is used as heat-clearing drugs, eyesight enhancer and antipruritic in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as macula of retina.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
Sphagnum palustre is considered to have sweet, warm and nontoxic properties and to be associated with the liver and lung meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Sphagnum Palustre & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Insect Bites
Smashed Sphagnum palustre can be applied externally to treat insect bites as well as itchy rash.
3.2 Reducing Inflammation, Swelling And Relieving Pain
A decoction of Sphagnum palustre can be applied externally to treat red painful eye.
3.3 Antidiarrheal
A decoction of Sphagnum palustre can be adopted to stop or slow diarrhea.
3.4 Macula of Retina
A decoction of Sphagnum palustre, Marchantia polymorpha and Eleocharis yokoscensis can be used both internally and externally to treat macula of retina.
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.