1. Description:
Indocalamus latifolius (Chinese: Ruo Zhu, 箬竹), a species of bamboo in genus Indocalamus (Poaceae family), native to China and to northern Indochina. The leaves of Indocalamus latifolius acts as depurative, hemostatic and detoxicant in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) used in treating diseases including hematemesis, throat impediment and subcutaneous emphysema.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
Indocalamus latifolius is considered to have sweet and cold properties and to be associated with the lung and liver meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Indocalamus Latifolius & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Hematemesis
Ash from burning indocalamus latifolius leaves is taken with soup to treat hematemesis.
3.2 Reducing Inflammation And Relieving Pain
A decoction of indocalamus latifolius leaves is used to treat subcutaneous emphysema of the abdomen as well as throat impediment.
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.