Herbal medicine:Boat-fruited Sterculia Seed

Detailed Product Description

The seed is tapering toward each end, 2-3 cm long, 1-1.5 cm in diameter. Apex obtuse-rounded, base somewhat acute and oblique, bearing a pale and rounded hilum. Eternally brown or dark brown, it is somewhat lustrous, with irregular wrinkles. The seed swells to spongy-like when treated with water. The seeds are harvested when the fruit ripens and cracks in April to June. The seeds are dried in the sun for use.

Properties:

Sweet in flavor, cold in nature, it is related to the lung and large intestine channels.

Functions:

Clears heat from the lungs to resolve phlegm, relieves sore throat to restore the voice and relaxes the bowels to relieve constipation.

Applications:

1. Treats hoarseness of voice, sore throat, coughing, etc., due to lung-heat: As it is sweet in taste, cold in nature and light in property, this herb can ventilate lung-qi, resolve phlegm, relieve sore-throat and restore the voice. It is often soaked alone for oral administration and can also be used together with balloon flower root (Radix Platycodi) and licorice. 2. Treats constipation due to dryness-heat and headache with conjunctival congestion: The herb can relax the bowels to relieve constipation and clear away and purge fire and heat. This herb is often soaked alone for oral administration and it can also be used in combination with heat-clearing and purgative herbs in order to strengthen curative effects.

Dosage and Administration:

3-5 pieces. Soak in boiled water or decoct for oral administration.