Cultivation Techniques and Application Methods of the Medicinal Herb Typhonium giganteum

Typhonium giganteumis a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal herb in the Araceae family, commonly known as dingdudou, and also called baifuzi or yubaifu. Because Typhonium giganteum has high medical value and health benefits, its development prospects are extremely broad.

1 Cultivation

Typhonium giganteum prefers a cool and relatively shady, moist environment. The soil should preferably be well-drained sandy loam. General black loam, sandy loam, flat land, slopes and mountainous land can all support its growth. The soil should not be overly clayey or too alkaline.

Planting is generally done in late April. On the prepared land, make beds 1.3 m wide, then open horizontal furrows on the beds with a furrow spacing of 22-26 cm and a furrow depth of 7-10 cm. Plant one tuber every 7-10 cm with the bud tip facing upward. Apply 2000-3000 kg of barnyard manure or compost per mu. After applying the manure, cover with soil level with the bed surface, with a covering depth of 4-5 cm, and press down lightly. Use 20-25 kg of small tubers per mu.

Seedlings generally emerge in June, and the growing period is short. In mid-June, carry out intertillage, weeding and fertilisation. In early August, carry out intertillage and weeding again and apply a topdressing once more.

Harvest by digging in late September. Separate the tubers by size. Clean the large ones of soil and fibrous roots, dry them in the sun for medicinal use, and keep the small tubers as seed tubers. Store the small tubers in a kiln, layering them with dry fine sand and soil, to overwinter, keeping the kiln temperature at 2-5°C.

2 Application

Typhonium giganteum has broad medicinal value and development prospects. Its tubers are used medicinally to expel cold-dampness, dispel wind and resolve phlegm, and relieve spasms; to treat facial paralysis and tetanus; and to treat traumatic injuries, venomous snake bites and lymphatic tuberculosis. Modern medical research shows that, in addition to the above medicinal uses, Typhonium giganteum has special efficacy against various types of ding (deep-rooted boils), toxins and furuncles. In folk medicine, Typhonium giganteum combined with other medicines is used to treat cirrhosis, diabetes and lung cancer, all with unique efficacy. Medicinal wine brewed with Typhonium giganteum is clear, mellow and distinctive, and has a unique therapeutic effect on patients with bronchitis.