Chinese LespedezaProduct Introduction

Chinese Lespedeza, also known as Hu Xiezi or Hu Kezi, is a medicinal herb sourced from the mature fruit of the oak tree (*Quercus*), a plant from the Fagaceae family. Its primary components include volatile oils, tannins, and other compounds. Chinese Lespedezahas a sweet and slightly bitter taste, is warm in nature, and is attributed to the Lung and Spleen meridians. It has broad applications in Traditional Chinese Medicine, commonly used for promoting blood circulation, relieving cough and asthma, and detoxifying. Due to its medicinal value, Chinese Lespedezahas gained significant attention and use in both TCM theory and practice.

Main Active Ingredients of Chinese Lespedeza

Chinese Lespedezais a valuable medicinal herb, with its primary active ingredients including volatile oils, tannins, and other compounds.

  1. Volatile Oils: These are one of the main active components of Chinese Lespedeza, with effects including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and antitussive properties. The terpene compounds in the volatile oils are particularly effective for treating respiratory diseases.
  1. Tannins: Tannins are alkaloid compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. They can be used to promote blood circulation and detoxify, providing relief for inflammation and infections.
  1. Catechins: A type of phenolic compound found in Chinese Lespedeza, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and antitussive properties. It is commonly used to treat respiratory and digestive issues.
  1. Alkaloids: Chinese Lespedezacontains various alkaloid compounds, such as quercetin and other tannin-related alkaloids, which possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducing effects, helping to enhance immunity and improve the body's resistance.
  1. Polyphenolic Compounds: Rich in polyphenols such as catechins and anthocyanins, Chinese Lespedezaexhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, helping to prevent diseases and protect overall health.
  1. Flavonoids: Flavonoid compounds like quercetin and rutin are present in Chinese Lespedeza, providing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and sedative effects. These help improve the body's resistance and immune functions.

Chinese Lespedezais an essential herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with its active ingredients exerting various pharmacological effects such as promoting blood circulation, relieving cough, detoxifying, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory actions. It is commonly used in the treatment of respiratory diseases, digestive system issues, infections, and more, contributing positively to overall health maintenance.

Application Scenarios and Dosage of Chinese Lespedeza

Chinese Lespedezais widely used in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and the food industry. Below are its application scenarios and recommended dosages in these fields:

  1. Traditional Chinese Medicine Applications:
    1. Promoting Blood Circulation: Chinese Lespedezais used to invigorate blood circulation and remove blood stasis, often applied to treat symptoms such as blood stasis, menstrual disorders, and dysmenorrhea.
    2. Cough Relief and Asthma Treatment: Chinese Lespedezahas a regulating effect on the respiratory system and is used to treat cough and asthma.
    3. Detoxification and Swelling Reduction: Chinese Lespedezaclears heat, detoxifies, reduces swelling, and alleviates pain, making it useful for treating conditions like heat toxicity and inflammatory swelling.
    4. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory: The active ingredients in Chinese Lespedezainhibit bacterial growth and reduce inflammation, making it suitable for treating infectious diseases.
  1. Food Industry Applications:
    1. Health Supplements: Extracts of Chinese Lespedezaare commonly used in health supplements to help regulate immunity and boost the body’s resistance.
    2. Functional Foods: Chinese Lespedezaextracts can be used as an additive in functional foods, enhancing products with properties like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects.
    3. Seasoning Products: Chinese Lespedezaextracts can impart a unique flavor and aroma to seasonings and food products.
  1. Dosage:
    1. In Traditional Chinese Medicine: Chinese Lespedezais typically used in TCM formulations, with a recommended dosage of 9-15 grams. It can be boiled or used in pill form, or applied externally in the form of ointments or medicinal wines.
    2. In the Food Industry: Chinese Lespedezaextract should be used according to relevant food additive standards. It is advisable to follow the product formulation and avoid excessive usage.

When using Chinese Lespedeza, the dosage and method should be adjusted based on the specific symptoms and formulation, and it is essential to consult a medical professional or expert to ensure safe and effective use. In food applications, relevant regulations and standards should be followed to ensure product quality and safety.

Chinese LespedezaSource Plant Description, Distribution, and Growing Environment

Chinese Lespedezais a well-known medicinal herb derived from the plant Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai, which belongs to the Chloranthaceae family. Below is detailed information about the source plant, its distribution, and growing environment:

  1. Plant Description:
    1. Sarcandra glabra, also known as Wu Zhizi or Gou Ji Zi, is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach about 2 meters in height.
    2. The plant has a branched structure, with oval or elliptic leaves that have serrated edges. The leaves are glossy on the upper surface and have glandular spots on the underside.
    3. The stem is grayish-brown or light red-brown, with longitudinal and transverse cracks, while the root is reddish and brittle, easily breakable.
  1. Distribution:
    1. Sarcandra glabra is native to China, primarily found in the southern, eastern, and southwestern regions, especially in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hunan.
    2. In addition to China, this plant is also found in Japan, Korea, and other parts of Asia.
  1. Growing Environment:
    1. Sarcandra glabra thrives in humid, cool mountainous forests, often found in valleys, forest edges, and along streams.
    2. It adapts well to fertile, loose, well-drained, acidic soils, with better growth in soils rich in organic matter.
    3. The plant is shade-tolerant and resilient, capable of growing in relatively harsh environments, but it does not tolerate dry or overly sunny conditions.
  1. Reproduction and Growth:
    1. Sarcandra glabra mainly reproduces through seeds, but it can also propagate through cuttings or division.
    2. Its growth cycle begins in the spring, with activity increasing as the temperature rises. Summer is the peak growing season, while autumn marks the bud differentiation period, and winter is a dormant phase.

As an important medicinal herb, *Sarcandra glabra*'s branches are the primary medicinal part. After proper collection, processing, and preparation, it is used as Chinese Lespedezain traditional medicine for various therapeutic purposes.

Chinese LespedezaHarvesting, Processing, and Storage

The harvesting, processing, and storage of Chinese Lespedezaare critical for preserving its medicinal value. Below is a detailed guide on these processes:

  1. Harvesting Time:
    1. The best time to harvest Chinese Lespedezais usually in the fall or winter, when the plant’s nutrient content is highest and the medicinal effects are most potent.
  1. Harvesting Method:
    1. Select healthy plants with sturdy stems, solid texture, and no signs of disease or pests.
    2. Use scissors or sickles to cut the stems, leaving the roots intact to allow for plant regeneration.
  1. Processing:
    1. After harvesting, the Chinese Lespedezashould be cleaned to remove soil, debris, and other impurities.
    2. It should then be air-dried or dehydrated to reduce moisture content, enhancing its stability during storage.
  1. Storage:
    1. Before storage, Chinese Lespedezashould be dried to the proper moisture level and then placed in a well-ventilated, dry area, avoiding direct sunlight.
    2. Store in dry, ventilated containers such as paper bags or cloth sacks, and avoid plastic bags or sealed containers to prevent mold and deterioration.
  1. Precautions:
    1. Regularly check the stored Chinese Lespedezafor any signs of moisture, spoilage, or off odors, and address any issues promptly.
    2. Ensure that the storage environment remains dry and free from pests, high temperatures, or humidity, which can degrade the quality and medicinal efficacy.

Proper harvesting, processing, and storage are essential for maintaining the medicinal value and quality of Chinese Lespedeza, ensuring its effectiveness in herbal formulations and treatments.

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