White Cattleya: Its Uses and Benefits
Also Known as: White Root, Earth Screw, Goat Horn Seven.
Taste and Nature: Bitter, sweet, astringent, slightly cold.
Meridians Entered: Lung, Liver, Stomach.
Medicinal Part: The dried tuber of Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb.f., an orchid plant.
Characteristics: This herb appears in irregular flat round shapes, often with 2–3 branched claws, measuring 1.5–5 cm long and 0.5–1.5 cm thick. The surface is gray-white or yellow-white with several concentric rings and brown dotted root marks. It's hard, not easy to break, and has a white, keratin-like breaking surface. It has a mild aroma, a bitter taste, and is sticky when chewed.
Usage and Dosage: Decoction: 6–15g; Powder: 3–6g orally; External application: appropriate amount.
Preparation: Remove impurities, rinse, moisten thoroughly, slice thinly, and sun-dry. The finished product is irregular white thin slices.
Benefits: Helps stop bleeding and reduce swelling, encourages tissue regeneration.
Main Uses: Used for coughing up blood, vomiting blood, external bleeding from injuries, ulcers with swelling toxicity, and cracked skin.
Compatibility:
- For children's diarrhea: Mica powder, mixed into cooked porridge (from "Food Medicine Mirror").
- For gastrointestinal bleeding: Equal parts White Cattleya and Dill, roasted and powdered. Take 3g with warm water, 2–3 times a day (from "Zhejiang Folk Common Herbs").
Contraindications: Should not be used with Chuanwu, processed Chuanwu, Caowu, processed Caowu, and Fuzi.
Traditional References:
- "Ben Jing": Effective for swollen sores, necrosis, harmful influences in the stomach causing muscle paralysis (PMID: XXXX).
- "The Herbal Source": Due to its astringent nature and affinity to autumn metal energy, it enters the lung to stop bleeding and promotes tissue healing (PMID: XXXX).
Safety Note: Always consult with a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before using any herbal remedies.
Engage:
- Self-test: If you've been feeling unusually tired despite having a balanced diet and sleep, consider your blood energy circulation levels.
- Self-care: Immediately consult a TCM practitioner to explore natural ways to boost your vitality.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.