Overview of the efficacy and functions of Chinese medicine Buddha's hand

Bergamot, also known as bergamot, is the dried fruit of the Rutaceae plant Bergamot. It has the functions of soothing the liver and regulating qi, harmonizing the stomach and relieving pain, drying dampness and resolving phlegm. It is widely used in clinical Chinese medicine and daily health care.Its main function is to regulate the digestive system, relieve emotional anxiety, improve respiratory problems, etc., and has both medicinal and dietary value.The content will focus on its core functions, analyzing its pharmacological effects, applicable groups and precautions for use in order to help readers scientifically understand Buddha's hand.

Soothes the liver and regulates qi, relieves emotional and digestive discomfort

Bergamot is warm in nature and pungent in taste, and returns to the liver, spleen, and stomach meridians. It is good at relieving liver stagnation and qi stagnation.The stress of modern life can easily cause liver qi to become uncomfortable, leading to pain in the flanks, loss of appetite, or depression. Bergamot can promote the circulation of qi and blood through volatile oil components (such as limonene) and relieve such symptoms.For example,"Compendium of Materia Medica"It is recorded that it "cures qi and soothes the liver" and is often combined with Cyperus rotundus and Bupleurum to enhance the effect.In addition, its aromatic properties can also boost appetite, making it suitable for people with indigestion or bloating after meals to make tea.

Relieves pain in the stomach and improves digestive system function

Bergamot has a significant effect on relieving epigastric distension and pain, belching and acid reflux.Research shows that its extract can inhibit excessive secretion of gastric acid and protect the gastric mucosa (see Table 1).Folks often use bergamot porridge or candied bergamot to assist in the treatment of chronic gastritis. However, it should be noted that those with a cold stomach should be paired with ginger, and those with a hot stomach should be paired with coptis to balance the medicinal properties.In addition, the hesperidin contained in bergamot can promote intestinal peristalsis and is also helpful for functional constipation.

Drains dampness and resolves phlegm, assisting respiratory health

Bergamot can dissolve phlegm and dampness, and is especially suitable for patients with dampness and phlegm syndrome such as cough with excessive phlegm, chest tightness and asthma.Its volatile oil can dilute phlegm and accelerate its discharge. It is often used together with tangerine peel and pinellia.The summer in Guangdong is hot and humid, and it is customary among the people to make soup with bergamot to remove dampness.It should be noted that people with yin deficiency and dry cough (dry cough without phlegm) should use it with caution to avoid aggravating body fluid consumption.

Summary and scientific usage suggestions

Buddha's hand has both medicinal and edible uses, but it needs to be used based on syndrome differentiation.People with liver qi stagnation, spleen and stomach disharmony, or phlegm-dampness constitution can use it in appropriate amounts, but pregnant women and those with yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity should avoid it.It can be made into bergamot tea (3-5 grams of dried product for brewing) or eaten daily, but long-term use requires consultation with a Chinese medicine practitioner.Combined with modern research, the multi-target effects of bergamot provide scientific basis for its traditional efficacy, and only when used rationally can it maximize its value.

Quote sources:

1. "Compendium of Materia Medica" Li Shizhen

2. "Pharmacology and Application of Chinese Herbal Medicine" Wang Zhengrong et al. (2018)

3. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 Edition