Polygonum leaves – a vegetable and medicinal herb.

The leaves of the Polygonum hydropiper plant are also used as a medicine with effective effects in treating respiratory diseases such as colds, runny noses, coughs, asthma, sore throats, rheumatism, etc.

The leaves of the Polygonum multiflorum plant are not only used as a popular spice to enhance the flavor of dishes, but traditional medicine also considers them a medicinal herb with effective uses in treating respiratory diseases such as colds, runny noses, coughs, asthma, sore throats, rheumatism, etc.

According to Dr. Hoang Khanh Toan (Head of the Traditional Medicine Department, Central Military Hospital 108), the leaves of the Blumea lanceolaria plant, also known as Xang Song or Hoat Loc Thao, scientifically named Blumea lanceolaria (Roxb.) Druce, are widely cultivated for use as a spice and medicine. Blumea lanceolaria has a bitter and pungent taste, a warm nature, and is used to eliminate foul odors, dispel wind and dampness, reduce swelling and relieve pain, promote blood circulation, clear phlegm and dampness, stimulate digestion, and is commonly used to treat colds, fever, stroke, speechlessness, coughs, asthma, sore throat, vomiting, bloating, and itching.

Here are some remedies using Piper betel leaves for your reference:

- Treatment for rheumatism: Crush the leaves of the Polygonum hydropiper plant (the amount depends on the severity of the injury), stir-fry them until hot, and apply as a compress to the painful or inflamed area. If using a poultice, leaving it on overnight is even better.

- Treating sore throat: Take 5-10 young leaves of Polygonum hydropiper. Add 20-30ml of vinegar. Wash the leaves thoroughly, let them dry, gently crush them (to release the essential oils), then dip them in the vinegar and gargle. Do this for 5-7 days; the condition will improve significantly. This remedy is effective for conditions such as acute and chronic sore throat, tonsillitis, laryngitis, and even loss of voice...

- To treat cough with phlegm and vomiting in children: Take 2-3 young Piper betel leaves and 5 teaspoons of honey. Wash the leaves thoroughly, chop them finely, put them in a small bowl with the honey, and steam them in a double boiler (boil for about 10 minutes). Then remove and strain the liquid to drink several times a day. Adults can chew and swallow the leaves as well.

- Treating common coughs: Take 10g each of Polygonum hydropiper leaves, lemon balm leaves, and chives leaves, steam them together with sugar or honey, and suck on the mixture. This remedy is effective for treating common coughs caused by colds, sore throats, and bronchitis.

- To treat bloating and indigestion: 30g of Polygonum multiflorum leaves, 30g of Perilla frutescens, 10g of fresh ginger, 10g of Magnolia officinalis bark, 10g of Citrus reticulata peel, 10g of Citrus aurantium peel. Put all ingredients into a pot, add 3 bowls of water, boil for 10 minutes, pour into a bowl and drink gradually.

- To treat toothache: Wash and dry 20g of Polygonum multiflorum root and 10g of Coptis chinensis. Put both into a glass bottle, pour in enough alcohol to cover them, and let them soak for about 10 days. The medicine can then be used by applying it to the teeth and gums with a cotton swab.

- Anti-allergic, enhances sexual ability: Minced clam meat mixed with pork, wrapped in Piper betel leaves, and grilled. Or beef wrapped in Piper betel leaves and grilled over a fire.

Note:This remedy only treats common sore throat and laryngitis; patients need a thorough examination to detect underlying causes and complications such as laryngeal fibroids, tumors, or nasopharyngeal cancer...

According to Health and Life