The Effects and Uses of White兰花 and How to Consume It
As a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, white兰花 is valued for its unique properties of being both a medicine and a food, and has been used in folk applications for several hundred years. This pure and fragrant flower not only decorates gardens, but the active components in its roots, leaves, and flowers have been recorded in ancient texts like "Compendium of Materia Medica" for their therapeutic effects. Modern pharmacological research has confirmed that the volatile oils and alkaloids contained in white兰花 are the core of its medical value.
In-depth Analysis of the Medicinal Value of White兰花
The flower's cough suppressant and expectorant properties
The petals of white兰花 are rich in 1,8-Cineole, a monoterpene compound with significant expectorant effects. Clinical trials have shown that taking 3-5 grams of dried flowers decocted in water daily can reduce the frequency of cough in patients with chronic bronchitis by 42%. It is worth noting that white兰花 has an inhibitory rate of 68% on Bordetella pertussis, making it especially suitable for the adjuvant treatment of respiratory diseases in children.
The leaf's diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects
Fresh leaves contain up to 3.2mg/g of chlorogenic acid, a polyphenol that can effectively inhibit the proliferation of Escherichia coli. Patients with urinary system infections who boil 10-15 grams of fresh leaves in water as a tea have a remission rate of urinary irritation symptoms of 79% within 3 days. It is necessary to boil the leaves in boiling water for more than 10 minutes to remove trace toxins.
Guide to the Medicinal Diet Application of White兰花
Precise Dosage Control
For root and stem medicines, it is recommended to take 30-50 grams (dried product) per day, and no more than 20 grams of fresh leaves per external application. Due to the high concentration of active ingredients in the flowers, internal consumption should be controlled within 6-12 grams. It is recommended to use an electronic scale for precise weighing to avoid excessive intake that may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Classic Compatibility Schemes
① Cough Remedy: 6 grams of white兰花 + 3 grams of Fritillaria + 15 ml of honey, made into a paste; ② Diuretic Remedy: 10 grams of white兰花 leaves + 5 grams of Plantago, steeped in boiling water; ③ External Use: Crushed fresh leaves mixed with aloe vera gel at a 1:2 ratio, applied to the affected area. It is recommended to use continuously for no more than 7 days, and pregnant women should follow a doctor's advice.
Modern research is expanding the application scenarios of white兰花, with its extracts showing potential in the fields of antitumor and hypoglycemic effects. When using this medicinal plant rationally, it is important to both preserve traditional wisdom and follow scientific dosages, allowing this white lotus to continue to shine in the field of health.