1. Description:
Brassica oleracea (scientific name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata f, alba; also known as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, savoy, kohlrabi, and gai lan, Chinese Pinyin: Gan Lan, Simplified Chinese: 甘蓝, 莲花白, 卷心菜, 高丽菜, 椰菜包, 包菜, 圆菜, 葵花白菜, 洋白菜), is a species of annual or biennial flowering and herbaceous plant in genus Brassica (Brassicaceae family). Originated from the Mediterranean region, Brassica oleracea can grow up to 2 meter tall. Brassica oleracea is used as anticancer drug, antipyretic, diuretic and analgesic in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as jaundice.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
Brassica oleracea is considered to have sweet and neutral properties and to be associated with the liver and stomach meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Brassica Oleracea & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Used For Food
Brassica oleracea is rich in high-quality protein, cellulose, minerals and vitamins; it can be used for food to enhance physical fitness.
3.2 Anticancer
Phytochemicals extracted from Brassica oleracea is an important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent preventing various chronic diseases as well as certain human cancers (gastric cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer and colon cancer).
3.3 Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Brassica oleracea’s rich antioxidant ingredients can enhance the detoxification ability of human enzyme system, it can help prevent Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD) as well as slowing the cancer cell metastasis.
3.4 Jaundice in Adults – Liver and Gallbladder Disorders
A decoction of Brassica oleracea and other herbs can be used in treating jaundice related to liver and gallbladder disorders.
3.5 Gastrohelcosis
Brassica oleracea is rich in methotrexate which may help to heal ulcers and treat gastrohelcosis.
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.