1. Some characteristics of the Eclipta prostrata

Eclipta prostrata also has other names such as: Eclipta prostrata; Cold Lien Thao; Kim Lang Thao.

Eclipta prostrata belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant grows upright and the height of a mature plant is from 0.2 to 0.4m. The stem of the plant is brown or light green, the leaves grow opposite each other. The flowers are white. The fruit is flat. When the plant is crushed, it will create an ink-black color. That is also the reason why this plant is called Eclipta prostrata.

Not only in Vietnam, this plant is also distributed in many other countries around the world and is used for many different purposes, specifically as follows:

- In Vietnam: This plant is often used to stop bleeding and treat boils.

- In India: In this country, the Eclipta prostrata plant is considered a valuable medicine to treat many different diseases, especially liver diseases, jaundice, indigestion, scorpion bites, etc. In addition, this type of grass is also used as a hair dye or some skin cosmetics.

- In China: People here often use the Eclipta prostrata plant to treat some health problems such as back pain, jaundice, some liver diseases, hematuria, etc. In addition, Chinese people also use fresh Eclipta prostrata leaves to prevent poisoning and protect their hands when working in the fields.

- Pakistan: In this country, Eclipta prostrata is used as a medicine to treat baldness, skin diseases, headaches, etc.

2. Medicinal uses of Eclipta prostrata

According to Oriental medicine, Eclipta prostrata has a sweet, sour taste and a cool nature, so it is very effective in treating bleeding and some signs of itching or swelling.

In addition, Eclipta prostrata also has the effect of nourishing kidney yin, cooling the two meridians of the liver and kidney, stopping bleeding and dysentery. Used to treat weak kidney yin, dysentery and bloody stools, blackening hair and beard.

According to modern medicine, Eclipta prostrata has many essential oils, Carotene, Alkaloids... which have the effect of stopping bleeding and preventing infection effectively.

Below are some specific medicinal uses of Eclipta prostrata:

- Treating indigestion, constipation and some stomach disorders.

- Preventing cancer: Some studies show that nutrients in this herb can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, breaking down DNA molecules to eliminate mutated cells.

- Very good for the liver: Some substances in Eclipta prostrata help the liver function effectively and prevent some liver diseases.

- Improving sinus infections.

- Treating asthma: Combining Eclipta prostrata and honey can create a remedy to help you reduce coughs, chest pain, etc.

- Relieve toothache: Eclipta prostrata contains ethanol and alkaloids that are very effective and quick in relieving toothache.

- Urinary tract infections: Eclipta prostrata has effective antibacterial and antiseptic properties, so it can be used to prevent or treat infections, especially urinary tract infections.

- Some respiratory problems: One of the effects of Eclipta prostrata is to clear phlegm and reduce infections, so it can effectively treat some respiratory problems.

- Improve eye health: Eclipta prostrata contains a high amount of carotene, so it can eliminate free radicals that cause macular degeneration, thereby effectively preventing cataracts and improving vision.

- Has the effect of relieving pain in people with hemorrhoids.

- Combine with shampoo to create a mixture that helps moisturize the scalp, prevent dandruff, dry scalp, prevent hair loss, help you have shiny hair, ...

- Prevent the risk of anemia: Eclipta prostrata contains a large amount of iron, so it has the effect of preventing and treating anemia.

- Control blood sugar levels, so it is very suitable for diabetic patients.

- Prevent miscarriage: Women with consecutive miscarriages can apply some remedies from Eclipta prostrata to prevent recurrent miscarriage.

- Beautify the skin: Using Eclipta prostrata can help you treat some skin diseases, improve the skin. From there, help you have a healthy, beautiful and youthful skin.

3. Some remedies from Eclipta prostrata

Remedy for nosebleeds: You need to prepare about 20g of Eclipta prostrata, 16g of licorice, 20g of black roasted Sophora japonica flowers. Use this mixture to make water to drink every day.

Remedy for sore throat: You need to prepare some of the following ingredients:

+ Eclipta prostrata: 20g

+ Ginkgo biloba root 12g

+ Dandelion 20g

+ Honeysuckle: 16g

+ Licorice: 16g

Then, use these ingredients to boil water to drink, use continuously for 3 to 5 days to achieve the best effect.

Remedy for hives: Prepare some of the following ingredients: Eclipta prostrata, spine leaves, blood dragon, lettuce, cucumber leaves, star fruit leaves, jasmine leaves... Wash and drain these leaves and crush them. Then squeeze to get the juice to drink. At the same time, you can use the pulp to rub on the swollen, painful skin area.

Remedy for anemia: Ingredients to prepare are 100g Eclipta prostrata, 100g Betel, about 50g dried ginger. Lightly roast these ingredients, then add about 3 cups of fresh coconut water. Then boil and drink the water. You should drink it twice a day for best results.

4. Notes when using Eclipta prostrata

Pregnant women (especially in the first 3 months) should not use this herb to avoid the risk of miscarriage.

Eclipta prostrata is also not suitable for people with abdominal cramps, nausea, colitis...