Cockscomb (Lao Lai Hong): Benefits, Uses, Whether It Stops Bleeding, and Key Cultivation Techniques

Cockscomb is a tropical herbaceous plant native to Africa and India. It goes by different names in China, and in many regions it is also called Lao Lai Hong, reed-flower cockscomb, pen cockscomb, large rooster flower, and so on. Besides being an attractive, cultivable ornamental plant, cockscomb also has high medicinal value that cannot be overlooked. So what are the benefits and uses of cockscomb? What are the key points of cockscomb cultivation techniques?

I. Benefits and Uses of Cockscomb

1. Cockscomb can stop bleeding.

Cockscomb is very effective for stopping bleeding and offers some help with conditions such as hives, profuse uterine bleeding, and dysentery. Related records appear in both the Compendium of Materia Medica and Southern Yunnan Materia Medica.

2. Cockscomb can assist in treating hemorrhoids.

Cockscomb is very effective for treating hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are mainly caused by prolonged sitting and inactivity, which obstructs blood circulation. Cockscomb can be decocted and simmered together with cogongrass rhizome (Imperata cylindrica), then poured out into a basin for washing. Once hemorrhoids appear, you should consult a professional doctor right away; cockscomb only plays a supporting role, and the specific combination still needs to follow medical advice.

3. Cockscomb can treat diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Cockscomb itself has an astringent effect and can help with gastrointestinal inflammation in the human body. When abdominal pain and diarrhea occur, cockscomb can be stewed together with ginger slices and brown sugar, and drunk twice a day to relieve the diarrhea and abdominal pain. If the discomfort is extreme, you still need to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

4. Cockscomb can supplement amino acids.

Besides its ornamental value, cockscomb's medicinal value also cannot be overlooked. Cockscomb is rich in vitamins, protein, natural coenzymes and other trace elements, which are exactly the nutrients the human body needs. Cockscomb can supplement amino acids and assist with related conditions caused by an amino acid deficiency in the body.

5. Cockscomb can beautify the environment.

Cockscomb has high ornamental and landscaping value. Named for looking like a rooster's comb, cockscomb has always been the “fowl among flowers"; used as a dried flower it lasts a long time, and used as a potted plant it is a delight to the eye. Cockscomb also has a very good greening effect against sulfur dioxide, and its pollution resistance is outstanding.

II. Key Points of Cockscomb Cultivation Techniques

1. Cockscomb's climate requirements center on warm seasons, and it likes to grow in an environment with plenty of sunlight. The soil requirements can be relaxed somewhat, with no very high standard; good drainage is all that is needed.

2. Cockscomb is generally propagated by seed, and seedling transplanting can also be used.

3. During cockscomb's growing period, it must not be watered too much; adjust the amount of watering according to weather changes.

4. When the cockscomb seeds turn black, the flower spike can be cut off and the seeds threshed.