The Effects and Functions of Belamcanda chinensis
Belamcanda chinensis, as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has unique effects that have been recorded in classics such as "Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing." The dried rhizome of this iris plant, with its cold nature and rich active ingredients, shows significant efficacy in relieving cough, clearing heat, detoxifying, and reducing swelling. Modern pharmacological research further confirms that belamcanda chinensis contains key ingredients such as iridoid glycosides, making it an important herb in the traditional Chinese medicine system.
Analysis of the Six Core Functions of Belamcanda chinensis
Double Mechanism of Cough Suppressing and Moistening the Lungs
Belamcanda chinensis achieves the effect of cough suppression by inhibiting the spasm of bronchial smooth muscle. Its contained isoflavones can increase the secretion of respiratory tract mucus, achieving the purpose of moistening the lungs. Clinically, it is often combined with ginger (3-6g) and xixin (1-3g) to treat wind-cold cough, and when used with beimu (6-12g) and mahuang (3-9g), it is effective for dry cough due to lung heat. It is recommended to use the decoction method to preserve the active ingredients.
Systematic Scheme for Clearing Heat and Reducing Fire
The cold nature of belamcanda chinensis comes from ingredients like iris flavones. When combined with huangqin (6-15g), it can enhance the heat-clearing effect. It is suitable for symptoms caused by excessive heart fire, such as mouth ulcers and red eyes due to liver fire. Modern research shows that its aqueous extract has an inhibition rate of 82.3% against Staphylococcus aureus, confirming its traditional heat-clearing effects.
Application in Digestive System Disorders
The treatment of stomach abscess recorded in "Zhen Zhu Nang" is now confirmed to be related to the anti-inflammatory effects of belamcanda chinensis. Clinical practice shows that taking 6-12g of the decoction twice a day, combined with dandelion (15-30g), can enhance the therapeutic effect. Its flavonoid components can reduce the activity of pepsin, protecting the gastric mucosa.
Solution for Throat Diseases
When belamcanda chinensis is combined with platycodon (6-12g) in a 1:2 ratio, saponin components produce a synergistic effect. Experimental data show that this combination can increase the effective rate for acute pharyngitis to 91.5%. It is recommended to take the decoction of belamcanda chinensis and platycodon directly on the throat.
Regulatory Function of Excretion
Grinding the stems and leaves to extract juice (10-20ml daily) can improve the condition of constipation and urinary retention by 76.8%. Its fiber and glycosides can promote intestinal peristalsis and regulate fluid metabolism. Note that those with a weak body should use it in combination with baizhu (10-15g).
Application of Antiviral Properties
The treatment of mumps uses fresh belamcanda chinensis root (15-30g) decoction, taken twice a day. Research shows that its extract can inhibit the mumps virus by up to 68.9%, and when combined with banlangen (15-30g), the effect is even better.
When using belamcanda chinensis, it is necessary to note: those with spleen and stomach deficiency should be combined with dried ginger (3-6g), pregnant women should use it cautiously, and the usual dosage is 3-10g. Modern preparations have developed new dosage forms such as belamcanda chinensis lozenges and injections, and it is recommended to use them under the guidance of a physician.