What are the effects and benefits of Chicken Bone Grass (Abrus precatorius)?

Generally speaking, Chicken Bone Grass (Abrus precatorius) is a common traditional Chinese medicinal herb, with its roots and stems used for medicinal purposes. The functions and effects of Chicken Bone Grass include reducing swelling and dissipating blood stasis, relieving cough and expelling phlegm, clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting diuresis and resolving jaundice, as well as soothing the liver and relieving depression. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Reducing Swelling and Dissipating Blood Stasis

Chicken Bone Grass has the effect of reducing swelling and dissipating blood stasis. It can be used to treat swelling and pain caused by bruises from falls or injuries. Additionally, it can alleviate symptoms such as breast distension and pain, and intra-abdominal bleeding.

2. Relieving Cough and Expelling Phlegm

Chicken Bone Grass can clear and moisten the lungs, eliminate lung heat in the body, and alleviate symptoms such as coughing, phlegm production, thick yellow phlegm caused by excessive lung heat. At the same time, it can relieve symptoms like sore throat and dryness of the throat.

3. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying

The flavonoid compounds in Chicken Bone Grass have the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. They can also help the body eliminate free radicals and alleviate symptoms such as burning sensation and pricking pain in the throat caused by heat toxicity.

4. Promoting Diuresis and Resolving Jaundice

Chicken Bone Grass contains a variety of active ingredients that, upon entering the body, can promote liver excretion, accelerate bile secretion, and remove dampness and toxins from the body, making it suitable for individuals with a damp-heat constitution.

5. Soothing the Liver and Relieving Depression

Chicken Bone Grass also has the function of harmonizing liver qi and relieving depression. It is commonly used to alleviate discomfort caused by liver qi stagnation, such as chest tightness, irritability, and insomnia.

Before taking Chicken Bone Grass, one should first understand their own condition. If allergic to it, it is not recommended for use. If there are special circumstances, it is advisable to consult a doctor before use to avoid self-administration that may cause adverse effects.