Have you heard? The heather, which was scolded on the hot search before, has recently bloomed quietly, and it is quietly blooming in many parts of the country. Are you talking about an ornamental evergreen shrub with a round crown, dense foliage, red young leaves, white and dense flowers, and red and bright fruits in winter, which are planted in large quantities in many cities? Yes, this is it! In fact, heather flowers have no disadvantages other than the smell of yuě, and even have many advantages!
1. The rich medicinal value of heather leaves
Heather is very rich in mineral elements, vitamins, volatile oils, etc., and has rich medicinal value. "Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica", "Compendium of Materia Medica", "Materia Medica" and so on are recorded, heather leaves taste pungent, bitter, flat in nature, there is a little poison; summer and autumn harvest, drying, with the leaves intact, the color of red and brown is better. Heather leaf can dispel wind and dehumidify, activate the meridians, mostly used to treat rheumatism for a long time and see kidney deficiency, waist soreness and weak feet; into the liver and kidney two meridians, nourish kidney qi, suitable for liver and kidney insufficiency, caused by lower yuan deficiency of men impotence, women uterine cold; this product Xinsan, can dispel wind and relieve pain, can treat headache, can be dry and damp and relieve itching, often used to treat rubella itching. Heather leaves clear heat and detoxify, moisten the lungs and relieve cough, and have certain curative effects on the treatment of colds, coughs and other symptoms. Its compatible prescriptions are:
1. Treatment of waist and knee pain: 9 grams of heather leaves, hyssop, and stone vine, 6 grams of wolfberry, 12 grams of dog spine, and decoction in water.
2. Treatment of headache: 4.5 grams of heather leaves, Sichuan peony and angelica, decoction in water.
3. Treatment of migraine: 9 grams of heather leaves, vitex, ligustrum, 6 grams of Angelica dahurica, 4.5 grams of Chuanxiong, decoction.
4. Treatment of cold and cough: 9 grams of heather leaves, bellflower, aster, and mulberry white bark, decoction.
5. Cough and phlegm asthma: heather leaves are ground at the end, and the pipe is burned internally and smoked.
Clinically, it is used to nourish the kidneys and liver, strengthen the spleen and invigorate qi, and regulate vision. Please note that while heather has some medicinal properties, the advice of a medical professional should be followed when using it to ensure that it is safe and effective.
Second, the unique ornamental value of heather
Heather flowers are distinguished by their compact canopy, dense foliage and white flowers. In the spring, while the other plants are still awakening, the heather has already bloomed into white flowers, adding a touch of fresh color to the earth. In winter, the red fruits are bright and eye-catching, bringing a touch of life to the bleak winter. Whether it is a solitary plant, a cluster plant or a piece plant, heather can show its unique charm and become a highlight in the garden landscape.
3. Diversified industrial value
The seeds of heather can also be extracted for oil and used in paints, soaps or lubricants. It can also be used as a soil pesticide to control aphids and inhibit the germination of potato pathogen spores. The wood of heather is dense and can be used to make wheels and utensils handles. Heather flower extract is applied to cigarettes, which can give cigarettes an elegant aroma, enrich the aroma of cigarettes, improve the temperature and moisturization of cigarettes, reduce irritation, and improve smoking comfort. Heather flower extract can be used as a new natural fragrance in perfumes.
Fourth, the potential edible value
Due to its rich content of vitamins and minerals, the fruit is bright and nutritious, and heather can also be eaten as a fruit or made into jams, preserves and other foods.
From ornamental value to medicinal value to practical application in daily life, heather is undoubtedly a plant that perfectly combines beauty and practicality.
Reviewer: Tong Huan, Deputy Chief Pharmacist of the Third People's Hospital of Hubei Province
Author: Lin Jie, Department of Pharmacy, Third People's Hospital of Hubei Province