Herba Polygoni Salicifolii
Aliases：Là Liǎo (Spicy Knotweed); Hàn Miáo Liǎo (Dry-seedling Knotweed); Bái Là Liǎo (White Spicy Knotweed); Hóng Là Liǎo (Red Spicy Knotweed); Fú Máo Liǎo (Appressed-hairy Knotweed), among others.
Là Liǎo Cǎo is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the whole plant of Polygonum lapathifolium L. var. salicifolium Sibth., a plant of the Polygonaceae family.
Efficacy & Actions
Detoxifies, strengthens the spleen, resolves dampness, invigorates blood, and interrupts malaria.
Indications
Primarily used for sores and swellings with pain, summer-dampness diarrhea, enteritis and dysentery, infantile malnutrition (childhood wasting disorder), traumatic injuries and pain, and malaria, among other conditions. In addition, it can be used externally for skin pruritus or for the elimination of fly larvae (maggot control).
Modern Pharmacology
Pharmacological Effects: Modern studies have shown that Laliaocao (Lapathum or Smartweed Herb) exhibits various activities including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antiviral effects. Its total flavonoids have shown potential in protecting against stress-induced gastric mucosal injury.
Ingredients
It mainly contains flavonoids (such as rutin, hyperoside, quercetin, etc.), volatile oils, tannins, triterpenoids, and other components.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 10–30 grams. Topical Application: Appropriate amount, decocted in water for external washing of the affected area; or fresh herb mashed for external application.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy. Use with caution in patients with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold and women during menstruation. Contraindicated for individuals allergic to this herb.
Selected Formulas
For enteritis and dysentery (Fujian Materia Medica) Take 24g of Laliaocao (Polygonum hydropiper) root, grind into powder, and take with boiled water twice daily. For abdominal pain due to summer heat stroke (Fujian Materia Medica) Take 12g of fresh Laliaocao leaf buds and a little salt. Mash or rub them together, and take with boiled water. For infantile malnutrition (gan) (Fujian Materia Medica) Take 15-18g of Laliaocao and 12g of Maiya (malt). Decoct in water and take in two divided doses before breakfast and dinner. For malaria (Fujian Materia Medica) Take equal parts of Laliaocao leaves and peach leaves, grind into powder, mix with wine and water to make pills. Take 3g each time in the morning and evening.
Daily Consumption
As an edible wild vegetable: Collect the young shoots and tender stems and leaves, blanch them in boiling water, drain the liquid, then stir-fry with oil and salt, serve cold as a salad, or add to soups.
Medicinal Parts
Dried whole plant.
Selection & Storage
Harvest: Harvest the whole plant in summer and autumn. Remove impurities, wash, and dry in the sun, or use fresh. Storage: Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture.
