Millettia Speciosa: The Wild-Growing Herb That’s Like ‘Gold in the Ground’, Beneficial for the Lungs and Helping to Reduce Cough
According to scientist Bui Dac Sang (Hanoi Oriental Medicine Association), Millettia Speciosa is a naturally growing forest vine that received little attention until traders started buying it at high prices, revealing its value to the locals.
Commonly known as ‘cat sam’ in Vietnam, it also goes by other names such as ‘sam cheo meo’, ‘sam nam’, or ‘sam trau’. Its scientific name is Millettia speciosa Champ., belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is a small woody vine that can grow up to several meters long. When young, the branches are covered in soft white hair, later turning smooth and shiny, and brown in color.
This plant is mainly distributed in Laos, China, and Vietnam. In Vietnam, it is found in the midland and mountainous provinces such as Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Bac Kan, Quang Ninh, and Yen Bai, usually at altitudes below 1,000 meters.
The most valuable part of Millettia Speciosa is its root, also known as the ‘củ’, considered ‘gold within the earth’. The root contains the active compound Alcaloid, which has shown effective results in reducing cough when tested on mice.
According to Mr. Sang, Millettia Speciosa is used in Oriental medicine as a tonic to treat debility, pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, headaches, fever, thirst, and difficult urination. Some studies from China also indicate that it improves lung function and may support the treatment of lung cancer.
Additionally, according to ancient documents, Millettia Speciosa can be used to treat spermatorrhea in men and leukorrhea in women, with a recommended dosage of 10-20g, which can be increased to 40g if necessary.
Doctor CKII Huynh Tan Vu (Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Campus 3) states that the root is the primary medicinal part of the plant. The best time to harvest is during winter-spring, after the plant has grown for more than a year. Small roots are left whole, while larger ones are cut in half, then sun-dried or oven-dried, and can be fried with ginger juice or honey to enhance preservation and medicinal properties. The herbal medicine should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area, protected from moisture and insect damage. It is essential to process the herb in small batches to ensure freshness and potency.
Oriental medicine recognizes Millettia Speciosa as beneficial for the Spleen and Lung meridians, with prominent effects such as reducing cough with phlegm, lowering evening fevers, improving digestion, promoting urination, enhancing appetite, deepening sleep, and combating physical debility.
Effective Herbal Remedies Using Millettia Speciosa – A Precious Medicinal Herb in Oriental Medicine
Poly-herbalist Bui Dac Sang (Hanoi Oriental Medicine Association) introduced several herbal remedies using Millettia Speciosa, a wild-growing herb with high medicinal value, especially for lung-related ailments and physical debility:
Treatment for persistent cough, dry cough, or cough with phlegm: Use 12g of Millettia Speciosa, 12g of Ophiopogon japonicus, 8g of Gastrodia elata, and 8g of mulberry root bark. Decoct and consume the herbal tea throughout the day, divided into three doses.
Fever reduction, headache relief, thirst quenching, and diuretic effect: Either use 32g of Millettia Speciosa coated in honey and fried, then decoct and drink the tea, or combine 12g of Millettia Speciosa, 12g of Atractylodes lancea, and 4g of licorice root. Decoct and divide into three doses for daily consumption.
Nutritional support, digestive aid, and appetite enhancement: Use 12g of Millettia Speciosa coated with ginger juice and fried. Consume approximately 32g daily by decocting to promote health and combat fatigue.
Important Notes When Using Millettia Speciosa:
Avoid Overdosing: While Millettia Speciosa is generally mild, consuming it in excessive amounts may lead to nausea and dizziness.
Consult a Specialist: For individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking Western medications, it is advisable to seek a doctor’s advice before using this herb.
Use Only the Root (Củ): According to Doctor CKII Huynh Tan Vu (Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Campus 3), the leaves and stems of Millettia Speciosa are considered toxic and should not be used medicinally.
Therefore, when utilizing Millettia Speciosa for therapeutic or health-enhancing purposes, individuals should thoroughly understand its origin, proper usage, and strictly refrain from consuming any non-indicated parts of the plant.
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