In traditional medicine, the leaves of the Belamcanda chinensis are crushed and mixed with salt to treat sore throats. The roots of the plant are also effective for dressing wounds. Belamcanda chinensis is also known as Xạ Can, Lưỡi Đòng.
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Belamcanda chinensis – The Plant |
The plant is an herb that grows to a height of 0.5 – 1 meter. Its rhizome spreads horizontally. The leaves are sheathed and arranged in two rows, spreading out like a fan, with parallel veins. The flowers are a vibrant orange-yellow with red spots, and the fruit contains shiny black seeds.
This plant is cultivated for ornamental purposes due to its attractive leaves and flowers.
Belamcanda chinensis is a medicinal herb specifically used to treat throat conditions such as cough, sore throat, tonsillitis, neck pain, excessive phlegm, and hoarseness. For use, take 10-20 grams of fresh rhizome, wash it clean, dip it in boiling water, then crush it with a few grains of salt. Squeeze the juice to gargle and swallow gradually. The remedy has a spicy and very hot sensation. The remaining pulp can be heated and applied to the neck. This process should be done twice a day for 3 to 5 consecutive days.
It can also be used in the form of a decoction with 3 – 6 grams of dried, roasted rhizome.
Dried rhizome (8g) can be combined with roasted evening primrose seeds (8g), fresh licorice root (6g), and dried Sài Đất (10g). All ingredients should be chopped or crushed, then boiled in 400ml of water until reduced to 100ml, to be consumed in two doses throughout the day. This treatment is effective for sore throat and cough with phlegm.
For external application, combine 20g of Belamcanda chinensis root, 20g of Chrysanthum leaves, and 10g of purple castor leaves. Crush them with hot rice to form a paste and apply it to the swollen area, securing it with a bandage. This should also be done twice a day.
Additionally, people also use the entire plant, including the stem, roots, leaves, and flowers, crushed together, mixed with water, strained for drinking, while using the residue for treating snake bites.
Pharmacist ĐỖ HUY BÍCH
