1. Botanical drugs for bruises used in the Xiangxi region of China, a place rich in martial culture.
- Author
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Jian-Wu He, Hong-Tao Gao, Xuan Liu, Qiang Li, Jin Luo, Jin Yan, and Bin-Sheng Luo
- Subjects
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MEDICAL botany , *TRADITIONAL knowledge , *DRUG utilization , *BONE injuries , *BLOOD circulation - Abstract
Background: Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, located in Hunan Province, China, is a culturally rich region with a diverse population. The locals have a deep martial arts history and possess a wealth of traditional knowledge for treating bruises. Methods: In order to investigate this topic, we conducted ethnobotanical studies by visiting local medicinal markets and conducting interviews. Results: We identified 43 botanical drugs used for treating bruises, categorized into four types: sprains, contusions, strains, and bone injuries. The local people typically prefer to mash these botanical drugs freshly or make medicinal wine for external use. Treatment often involves a combination of drugs to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, with medications to dispel rheumatism, clear heat, and detoxify, tailored to the humid climate and high precipitation in mountainous areas. Based on the fidelity level values, the local plant resources with high acceptance, utilization, or potential value in the treatment of bruises included Sargentodoxa cuneata, Lycopodium japonicum, Dioscorea cirrhosa, Panax japonicus, Achyranthes bidentata, Lysimachia heterogenea and so on. Conclusion: Herbal medicine and related knowledge for treating bruises are diverse and rich in the Xiangxi region. However, the local traditional medicinal knowledge faces challenges regarding inheritance due to regional modernization. Therefore, it is crucial to protect and further study this knowledge in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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