Trachycarpi Radix
Aliases：Zōng Lǘ Gēn (Palm Root).
Zōng Shù Gēn is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is the root of Trachycarpus fortunei (Hook.) H. Wendl., a plant belonging to the genus Trachycarpus of the family Palmae. The palm tree is an evergreen tree widely distributed in regions south of the Yangtze River.
Efficacy & Actions
Astringes to stop bleeding; astringes the intestines to stop diarrhea; eliminates dampness; reduces swelling; detoxifies.
Indications
Indicated for hematemesis (vomiting blood), hematochezia (blood in stool), metrorrhagia and metrostaxis (uterine bleeding), leukorrhea, dysentery, strangury with turbid urine, edema, joint pain, scrofula, multiple deep abscesses (Liú Zhù), and traumatic swelling and pain.
Modern Pharmacology
Antifertility effects: The alcohol extract of palm root, combined with injection at the Shímén (CV5) acupoint, can delay the pregnancy cycle in female mice. Weight reduction effects: The water-alcohol extract of mature palm fruit has been shown to have pharmacological effects in reducing body weight in mice.
Ingredients
The underground parts of Zōng Shù Gēn contain dioscin and methyl protogracillin. It also contains asparagine, as well as flavonoids and phenols.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 15–30 g; some sources document 3–5 qián (approximately 9–15 g). For external use: apply an appropriate amount, decoct in water and wash the affected area; or crush and apply topically.
Contraindications
Use with caution during pregnancy. Use with caution in cases of bleeding due to deficiency-cold patterns. Avoid spicy and greasy foods during the medication period. Specific dosage should follow a physician’s prescription, as individual variations apply.
Selected Formulas
For hematemesis (Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica) Take the root of the palm tree, burn it to ash, mix with children’s urine and white sugar, and take on an empty stomach. For hematuria (Hunan Materia Medica) Take 30g of palm root, stew with lean pork, and eat. For spermatorrhea (empirical formula) Take 25g of palm root, decoct in water, add white sugar, and drink.
Daily Consumption
The most common method is to decoct it for oral administration: take 15–30 g of Zōng Shù Gēn, decoct in water, strain, and drink the liquid. Alternatively, it may be used externally by decocting in water for washing the affected area.
Medicinal Parts
Dried root.
Selection & Storage
Store in a ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture.
