Overview of the efficacy and functions of black plum

Black plum is a common herbal medicine commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has the main functions of astringing sourness, producing body fluids and quenching thirst, and relieving roundworms and repelling parasites. It is widely used in the digestive system, respiratory system and daily health care fields.Its core functions include:Astringent the lungs and relieves cough(relieves dry cough),Astringent and antidiarrheal(improve chronic diarrhea),Produce fluid and quench thirst(relieves dry mouth) andAscaris analgesic(Repelling roundworms).The main functions involve modern research areas such as antioxidant and blood sugar regulation.The following article will systematically analyze the multiple values of ebony from the two dimensions of traditional application and modern research.

Analysis of traditional functions: astringing lungs and relieving cough and astringent intestines and relieving diarrhea

The sour and astringent nature of black plum corresponds to its function of astringing and fixing prolapse in traditional Chinese medicine theory.Astringent the lungs and relieves coughIn terms of use, it is suitable for deficiency syndromes of chronic cough and less phlegm, and is often combined with almonds and pinellia, such as the Wumei Pills in "Treatise on Febrile Diseases";Astringent and antidiarrhealFor chronic diarrhea due to spleen deficiency, it can improve symptoms by condensing intestinal water. It is often used together with nutmeg and myrobalan.In addition, the acidity of ebony can stimulate saliva secretion and relieve symptoms caused by heat or yin deficiency.Dry mouth and polydipsia, traditional usage is to take it by mouth or drink it soaked in water.It should be noted that it is not advisable to use black plum alone for syndromes of excessive heat (such as acute infectious diarrhea) to avoid leaving behind closed doors.

Ascaris anthelmintic and modern research expansion

ebonyAscariasis and dewormingIts efficacy is due to its acidic environment that can paralyze roundworms. The classic prescription Wumei Wan is still used for biliary ascariasis.Modern research has found that ebony contains citric acid, malic acid and other organic acids, as well as polyphenols, which haveAntioxidant,Regulate intestinal florafunction.Animal experiments show that its extract can reduce blood sugar (see Table 1), but the clinical evidence still needs further verification.It should be emphasized that anthelmintic treatment must be carried out under the guidance of a physician, and self-medication is not allowed.

Contraindications and rational use of food

Although ebony is used as medicine and food,Hyperacidity,gastric ulcer patientsUse with caution to avoid aggravating symptoms.For daily health care, it is recommended to soak 3-5 tablets in water a day, or mix it with licorice to soften the sour taste.Medicinal use requires syndrome differentiation and treatment. For example, honey-roasted black plum is suitable for relieving cough, and black plum made with charcoal is often used for antidiarrheal.Pregnant women and children should consult a Chinese medicine practitioner before use to avoid damage to tooth enamel caused by long-term use of large amounts.

Summary: The combination of traditional wisdom and modern science

With its unique sour medicinal properties, black plum occupies an important position in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine and health care.From Zhang Zhongjing’s classic prescriptions to modern antioxidant research, its value is constantly being explored.Please pay attention when usingSyndrome differentiation and dosage, rationally give full play to its advantages of astringing the lungs, stopping diarrhea, and promoting fluid production, and at the same time pay attention to the evidence and expansion of traditional effects of modern research to achieve scientific application.

Quote sources:
1. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 Edition
2. "Treatise on Febrile Diseases" by Zhang Zhongjing (Eastern Han Dynasty)
3. "Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacology and Clinical Practice" Issue 3, 2020