What are the effects and functions of Chloranthus spicatus? The latest analysis is here
Chloranthus spicatus, also known as Yuzilan and Zhulan, is a perennial evergreen herb or shrub plant. In China, it is mainly distributed in Yunnan, Fujian, Guizhou and other places, and most of it grows through artificial cultivation. The flowers of Chloranthus spicatus are small, but their fragrance is striking and refreshing. Qinnongwang today shares some of the effects and functions of Chloranthus spicatus, to see where the value of artificial cultivation of this plant lies.
1. Ornamental value
Chloranthus spicatus has clustered stems and opposite leaves. The stems grow in a shrub-like form, and the leaves can perfectly cover the ground while also forming a perfect clump on their own. The stems are very soft and extend in all directions. The leaf surface is very smooth, the leaf margins are serrated, the leaf tip is blunt, and the base is wedge-shaped. The whole leaf looks obovate. The roots, stalks and stems of Chloranthus spicatus are straight and, like its leaves, are emerald green. Regular viewing can cultivate character and protect eyesight. When its flowering period arrives, bundles of small yellow-green flowers bloom on the branches, like mature bundles of millet in a green rice field, creating its unique artificial ornamental value.
2. Medicinal value
Every part of Chloranthus spicatus, from top to bottom, is valuable. When used as a medicinal material internally, it is decocted in water, and after taking it, it can soothe liver depression, invigorate blood and resolve stasis, remove rheumatism and reduce inflammation. When used as a medicinal material externally, its roots and stems are chopped into a paste, or dried and ground into fine powder, and used to treat fractures, dislocations, sprains and contusions, frozen shoulder, lumbar disc herniation and other conditions, and it can also be used to treat purulent sores.
Chloranthus spicatus has slight toxicity. When decocted for internal use, one should follow medical advice, take an appropriate amount of dried Chloranthus spicatus, put it into a decoction pot, add water, preferably with the water covering the Chloranthus spicatus, turn on high heat to bring it to a boil, then use low heat after boiling, and simmer for another half hour. One pot of Chloranthus spicatus can be decocted repeatedly three times. If it is decocted together with other Chinese medicinal materials, Chloranthus spicatus must be added first and decocted alone for half an hour before the other medicinal materials are added, in order to remove its toxicity.
3. Other value
As mentioned earlier, the floral fragrance of Chloranthus spicatus is very rich and refreshing, and has the effect of refreshing the mind. The roots and stems of Chloranthus spicatus can be used to extract aromatic oil, and the fresh flowers can be used to make tea, which is called Zhusan tea.
Chloranthus spicatus is a flower often selected in summer for urban greening and garden construction in China. Once planted and established, it can bloom for many years, making it both economical and practical. Because the flowering period is relatively long, it needs frequent fertilization. For home cultivation, it is best to repot once in spring, which helps the plant grow.