What are the medicinal benefits and effects of cycad?
Oct 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Ziyi
Introduction
Cycas revoluta, a plant from the Cycadaceae family, is also known as Sotetsu or elephant-tail vegetable. Its roots, stems, leaves, and flowers are used medicinally. Generally, the medicinal properties and effects of Cycas revoluta include resolving dampness and regulating qi, clearing heat and detoxifying, relieving cough and eliminating phlegm, stopping bleeding, and antioxidant activity. Due to its ability to clear heat and detoxify, it can be used to treat upper respiratory tract infections, tonsillitis, and other conditions, and helps alleviate sore throat.
Sago palm refers to the root, stem, leaves, and flowers of *Cycas yunnanensis*, a plant species in the Cycadaceae family. It is also known as Sotetsu or elephant-tail vegetable. Generally speaking, the medicinal properties and effects of sago palm mainly include dampness-transforming and qi-regulating, clearing heat and detoxifying, relieving cough and resolving phlegm, hemostasis, and antioxidant activity. Specific details are as follows:
1. Dampness-Transforming and Qi-Regulating
Due to its ability to transform dampness and regulate qi, sago palm can be used under medical supervision either alone or in combination with other herbs to treat conditions such as jaundice caused by damp-heat (seen in Western medicine as hepatitis with jaundice) and dizziness (seen in high blood pressure). For example, when used together with herbs like Artemisia capillaris (Yinchen), Gardenia jasminoides (Zhizi), and Rheum palmatum (Dahuang), it may help improve clinical symptoms in patients with damp-heat jaundice.
2. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying
Sago palm is a traditional Chinese herb with a neutral nature, and the medicinal part used is the bark. It has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, and can be used to treat upper respiratory tract infections, tonsillitis, and similar conditions, providing some relief from sore throat.
3. Relieving Cough and Resolving Phlegm
Sago palm helps relieve cough and resolve phlegm, offering some benefit in alleviating symptoms such as persistent coughing and excessive sputum production.
4. Hemostasis
Sago palm possesses hemostatic properties. In cases of traumatic injury with bleeding, it may be used under medical guidance to achieve hemostasis.
5. Antioxidant Activity
Sago palm is rich in polyphenolic compounds, which provide antioxidant benefits. These compounds help combat damage from free radicals and protect cells against oxidative stress.
It should be noted that all medications must be used under the guidance of a physician to ensure efficacy and safety. Avoid self-medicating or overusing this herb to prevent adverse reactions. Additionally, individuals allergic to sago palm should avoid its use to prevent allergic symptoms such as itching and rashes.
