What are the functions and benefits of Chicken Bone Grass?
Nov 23, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Chicken bone grass (Abrus precatorius) is a common traditional Chinese medicinal herb, derived from the dried whole plant of the leguminous plant Abrus precatorius. It is mainly distributed in southern China and is commonly used for relieving cough and eliminating phlegm, protecting the liver, reducing swelling and dissipating blood stasis, promoting diuresis and relieving jaundice, as well as clearing heat and detoxifying. When using chicken bone grass, one should avoid consuming it with spicy or irritating foods to prevent interference with the medicinal effects.
Chicken bone grass (Abrus cantoniensis) is a common traditional Chinese medicinal herb, derived from the dried whole plant of the legume species Abrus cantoniensis. It is mainly distributed in southern China and is commonly used for relieving cough and eliminating phlegm, protecting the liver, reducing swelling and dissipating blood stasis, promoting diuresis and resolving jaundice, as well as clearing heat and detoxifying. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Relieves cough and expels phlegm
Chicken bone grass has the effect of relieving cough and expelling phlegm, which can alleviate symptoms such as cough caused by lung heat and sore throat. It can be used to treat conditions like coughing and phlegm production.
2. Protects the liver
Chicken bone grass provides significant protection for the liver and can be used to prevent and treat drug-induced liver injury and alcoholic liver disease. It enhances the liver's detoxification capacity, promotes the repair of liver cells, and prevents liver cell necrosis. This is mainly due to its antioxidant components that help combat free radical damage and protect liver cells from oxidative stress.
3. Reduces swelling and dissipates blood stasis
Chicken bone grass helps reduce swelling and dissipate blood stasis, effectively relieving symptoms such as swelling and pain caused by traumatic injuries and bruising. It also provides some relief for symptoms like breast distension and intra-abdominal bleeding.
4. Promotes diuresis and resolves jaundice
For jaundice and yellow urine caused by damp-heat, chicken bone grass offers effective treatment. It promotes the elimination of dampness from the body and accelerates bilirubin metabolism, thereby alleviating jaundice. This effect is primarily attributed to its active components that enhance the liver's detoxification function and aid in restoring normal liver function.
5. Clears heat and detoxifies
Chicken bone grass is cool in nature and bitter in taste, capable of clearing internal heat and toxins. It is suitable for treating various heat-related illnesses, such as fever from the common cold, sore throat, abscesses, and toxic swellings. This is because the bitter components in chicken bone grass promote the elimination of toxins from the body and possess anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammatory responses.
When using chicken bone grass, it should not be consumed together with spicy or irritating foods, as this may interfere with its therapeutic effects. Additionally, due to its cooling nature, individuals with cold-deficiency syndromes, weak constitutions, or diarrhea should use it cautiously.
