The Efficacy and Function of Lichun

Generally,石蕊 (litmus) has various functions and effects including clearing heat and reducing fire, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, cooling blood and stopping bleeding, promoting diuresis and removing dampness, and improving vision and removing eye opacity. The specific details are as follows:

1. Clearing Heat and Reducing Fire

石蕊 can remove heat pathogens from the body. When heat toxins accumulate in the throat area, 石蕊 can alleviate redness, swelling, heat, and throat pain. For red, swollen, and painful eyes caused by excessive liver fire, it can reduce the redness and pain in the eyes by clearing heat and reducing fire, thereby relieving eye discomfort.

2. Resolving Phlegm and Relieving Cough

石蕊 has certain therapeutic effects on respiratory symptoms such as cough and excessive phlegm. When coughing with excessive phlegm occurs, 石蕊 can regulate the lung's functions of dispersing and descending qi. It can thin mucus, making it easier to expel, while also reducing the frequency and severity of coughing.

3. Cooling Blood and Stopping Bleeding

石蕊 can clear heat pathogens from the blood, restoring normal blood circulation, thereby achieving the effect of cooling blood and stopping bleeding. In cases of traumatic bleeding, grinding 石蕊 into powder and applying it externally to the wound can also promote blood coagulation and achieve hemostasis.

4. Promoting Diuresis and Removing Dampness

石蕊 helps the body eliminate excess dampness and improves edema symptoms. When eyelid edema or lower limb edema occurs, 石蕊 can regulate the body's water metabolism. It enhances kidney filtration function, allowing excess body fluids to be excreted through urine, thus reducing fluid retention in tissue spaces.

5. Improving Vision and Removing Eye Opacity

石蕊 has certain health benefits for the eyes. It can clear liver heat and improve vision, alleviating symptoms such as eye opacity and blurred vision caused by upward disturbance of liver heat. By clearing heat pathogens from the liver and improving blood and qi supply to the eyes, it achieves the effect of improving vision and removing eye opacity.

Prolonged or excessive use may cause some adverse symptoms, such as oral discomfort or eye discomfort. Therefore, administration of 石蕊 should follow medical advice to avoid adverse reactions caused by overdose or improper use. Additionally, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should use 石蕊 only under a doctor's guidance.