Lycium chinense

Lycium chinense
Family:Lycium chinense; Antibacterial; Antipyretic; Cancer; Haemostatic; Hepatic; Hypoglycaemic; Infertility; Kidney; Ophthalmic; Tonic; Vasodilator.
Common name:Chinese boxthorn
Chinese boxthorn is a major Chinese tonic herb with a history of almost 2000 years of medicinal use. Both the berries and the root are used and traditionally the plant is believed to promote long life. The fruit is one of the most popular tonics used in Chinese herbal medicine. A decoction is used to clear the vision strengthen the kidneys restore semen and nourish the liver. The fruit protects the liver from damage caused by exposure to toxins. It is also used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus vertigo nocturnal emissions and aching back and legs. The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals especially in vitamins A C and E flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers. The seed is used as a haemostat for the control of bleeding with a special action on the kidneys and sex organs. The root bark is antibacterial antipyretic hepatic hypoglycaemic and vasodilator. It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which controls involuntary bodily functions such as digestive secretions. The root is used in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis and pneumonia in small children chronic febrile disease night sweats cough and asthma tuberculosis hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The root can be harvested at any time of the year but traditionally it is harvested in the spring and can be dried for later use. The root bark contains betaine. This can increase the rate of growth of farm animals and increase the weight and amount of eggs it is used in the treatment of achlorhydria atherosclerosis and hepatic diseases.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 04:18 []