What are the effects and functions of Chloranthus spicatus?
Chloranthus spicatus, also known as Yuzilan or Zhulan, is a perennial evergreen herbaceous or shrub plant. In China it is mainly distributed in Yunnan, Fujian, Guizhou and other places, and it mostly 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 this artificially cultivated plant lies.
I. 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 spread in all directions. The leaf surface is very smooth, the leaf margins are serrated, the leaf tip is blunt, and the rear 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. Viewing it often can cultivate one's character and protect eyesight. When its flowering period arrives, clusters of small yellow-green flowers bloom on the branches, like mature clusters of millet in a green rice field, creating its unique artificial ornamental value.
II. Medicinal value
Every part of the Chloranthus spicatus plant is useful. When taken internally as a medicinal herb, it is decocted in water; after taking it, it can soothe liver depression, invigorate blood and resolve stasis, remove rheumatism and reduce inflammation. When used externally as a medicinal herb, 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, etc. It can also be used to treat purulent sores.
Chloranthus spicatus has mild toxicity. When decocting it for internal use, one should follow medical advice: take an appropriate amount of dried Chloranthus spicatus, put it into a decoction pot, add water, with the water preferably covering the Chloranthus spicatus, turn on high heat and bring it to a boil, then use low heat after boiling, and simmer for another half an hour. One pot of Chloranthus spicatus can be decocted repeatedly three times. If decocting it together with other Chinese medicinal materials, Chloranthus spicatus must be added first and decocted alone for half an hour before adding the other medicinal materials, in order to remove its toxicity.
III. Other values
As mentioned earlier, the floral fragrance of Chloranthus spicatus is very rich and refreshing, and has the effect of invigorating 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 its flowering period is relatively long, it needs frequent fertilizing. If grown at home, it is best to repot once in spring, which helps the plant grow.