1. Description:
Agriophyllum squarrosum (scientific name: Agriophyllum squarrosum (L.) Moq., also known as sand rice, Chinese Pinyin: Sha Peng, Simplified Chinese: 沙蓬), is a species of annual heavily branched stiff grass with alternate, entire, prickly leave in genus Agriophyllum (goosefoot family, Chenopodiaceae). Found in dunes and sandy places in northern China, the plant can grow up to 60 cm tall. Characteristics of Agriophyllum squarrosum include adaptation to sandy land, tolerance for cold and drought. The seeds of Agriophyllum squarrosum is used as stomachic, heat-clearing drug, detoxicant and diuretic in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as high blood pressure.
Other simplified Chinese names for Agriophyllum squarrosum include: 吉刺儿, 沙米, 蒺藜梗.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
The seed of Agriophyllum squarrosum is considered to have sweet and cool properties and to be associated with the kidney meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Agriophyllum Squarrosum & Medical Formulas:
3.1 High Blood Pressure
Cooked Agriophyllum squarrosum leaves is eaten to help with primary or essential hypertension.
3.2 Aid Digestion
Agriophyllum squarrosum seeds can be used for food to aid digestion and nourish the spleen and stomach.
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.