1. Description:
Myriophyllum spicatum (also known as Eurasian watermilfoil or spiked water-milfoil, Chinese Pinyin: Shui Zao, Simplified Chinese: 水藻, 聚藻, 水蕴, 鳃草、牛尾蕴), is a species of submerged aquatic plant in genus Myriophyllum (botanical watermilfoil family, Haloragaceae). Found in lakes, ponds and slow-moving water and native to Europe, Asia, and north Africa, the plant can grow up to 175 cm long. Myriophyllum spicatum is used as heat-clearing drug and detoxicant in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as dysentery.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
Myriophyllum spicatum is considered to have sweet, properties and to be associated with the spleen, kidney and liver meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Myriophyllum Spicatum & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Heatstroke
Myriophyllum spicatum juice is taken orally to treat sunstroke or heatstroke.
3.2 Skin Health
Smashed Myriophyllum spicatum is applied externally to heal blisters as well as skin burn.
3.3 Malignant Dysentery
A decoction of Myriophyllum spicatum and brown sugar is taken orally to treat malignant dysentery.
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.