latelenovela Chapter 164: Memory of Medicinal Herbs
Chapter 164: Memory of Medicinal Herbs
Doctor Zhang smiled and nodded in agreement. "Of course, Chen Fang. Identifying herbs requires patience and carefulness. Follow me, and we'll start with these common herbs."
As he spoke, Doctor Zhang turned and walked out of the cabin. The spring sunshine sprinkled in the yard, the green grass was full of small flowers, and the breeze was blowing gently, which seemed to add vitality to their study.
"First, there is a herb called 'mint' around here." Walking to the flower bed, Dr. Zhang bent down and pointed at the green leaves. "Look, the leaves of this mint are dark green with serrated edges. When you knead them, they give off a fresh aroma. They are often used to relieve summer heat and refresh the mind."
Chen Fang observed it carefully and gently pinched the leaf. The fresh fragrance immediately spread. "It smells so good, Doctor Zhang! Its shape is also easy to remember." Her face was filled with excitement.
"Yes, very good." Doctor Zhang nodded slightly and continued to guide, "Next, let's look for 'dandelion'. Its leaves are deeply fissured and its flowers are bright yellow. Many people mistake it for a weed." He leaned over to search in the grass, with a look of anticipation in his eyes.
"I found it!" Chen Fang pointed to a small patch of bright yellow flowers and said with a smile, "This is the dandelion!"
"Very good." Doctor Zhang smiled with satisfaction. "Both the roots and leaves of dandelion have medicinal value. They can clear away heat, detoxify, and relieve edema. However, some people are allergic to them, so be careful when using them."
"I understand. I'll remember it." Chen Fang recorded it with great interest, secretly planning in his mind how to further use these herbs in the future.
"Look at this." Doctor Zhang stood up and pointed decisively to the bushes in the distance. "This is 'Lonicera japonica'. Its flowers are white and gradually turn yellow. They have a sweet taste. They are often used to clear away heat and detoxify, and are very popular."
"The shape and taste of honeysuckle are very special!" Chen Fang observed carefully and said expectantly, "I want to use the petals of this lotus flower to make tea, which is refreshing and thirst-quenching."
"That's a very good idea." Doctor Zhang replied with a smile, "But you have to wait until the petals are fully opened before picking them. They will taste better."
"Doctor Zhang, apart from these, is there anything else that I need to pay attention to?" Chen Fang was full of curiosity, her eyes sparkling with a desire for knowledge.
"In addition to shape and color, you also need to pay attention to the growing environment when identifying herbs," Dr. Zhang reminded. "For example, mint likes sunny places, while honeysuckle usually grows in humid environments. Knowing this can help you find your target quickly in the future."
"I'll remember it carefully!" Chen Fang was very excited and quickly wrote down the key points on a note.
"Finally, let's look for 'Bupleurum'." Doctor Zhang strolled on the grass, scanning the surroundings carefully. "This is a good medicine for calming the liver and relieving depression. It can usually be seen by the edge of the forest and on the roadside."
Hearing this, Chen Fang was very clever and continued, "If I encounter it on the road, can I use it to soothe my mood?"
Doctor Zhang couldn't help but laugh when he heard this. "Yes, but when using herbs, the dosage must be appropriate to avoid overdose."
After some searching, Chen Fang finally found a few Bupleurum chinense plants. She said excitedly, "Are these the ones? They look quite lush."
"That's right." Doctor Zhang nodded approvingly. "And its leaves are flat and have serrations on the edges. Remember this so you can easily identify them in the forests in the future."
Chen Fang took note of it silently, with a slight smile on her lips. "Dr. Zhang, thank you for everything you taught me. I hope I can go further in the field of herbal medicine."
"As long as you are willing to invest time and energy, it is not difficult to achieve academic success." Doctor Zhang spoke in a gentle tone, as if giving her invisible support.
Doctor Zhang replied seriously: "Okay, but you have to remember ten of them every day." As soon as he finished speaking, his eyes became gentle, as if he was seriously considering her request, "This way you can truly internalize what you have learned."
"Ten?" Chen Fang frowned slightly, chewing on the number repeatedly, and then nodded firmly, "No problem, I will try my best!"
"Well, starting from today, we can classify herbs according to their effects, into several categories such as clearing away heat and detoxifying, relaxing muscles and tendons, and strengthening the spleen and digestion. Which category do you want to start with?" Doctor Zhang said with encouragement in his tone, walking through the yard and slowly towards a meadow full of wild flowers.
"I want to start with herbs that clear away heat and detoxify! This type is more widely used." Chen Fang did not hesitate, as he had already considered this direction carefully in his heart.
"Very good." Doctor Zhang nodded in agreement and began to explain in detail. "Let's first look at 'Forsythia suspensa', which is a good medicine for clearing away heat and detoxifying. It blooms bright yellow flowers in early spring. The fruits of Forsythia suspensa are small and hard, and are usually picked in autumn and winter."
Chen Fang listened carefully, and then asked, "What's so special about its shape?"
Doctor Zhang smiled and explained: "Forsythia's leaves grow opposite each other, are long and narrow, and are dark green in color. You can try to get close to it and smell a faint fragrance. When the flower buds first open, they look like small lanterns, very cute."
"Very good, then I will definitely not forget it." Chen Fang nodded firmly, her heart full of anticipation, as if she had already seen the forsythia swaying in the spring breeze.
"Next, let's talk about Platycodon grandiflorum." Doctor Zhang guided her forward, looking through the grass beside her. "The flowers of Platycodon grandiflorum are lavender, large and trumpet-shaped, and its roots have a good lung-clearing effect."
"I know this!" Chen Fang interrupted excitedly, "I've heard people mention it before. It's suitable for coughs and sore throats."
"Yes, the medicinal value of Platycodon grandiflorum is indeed not to be underestimated." Doctor Zhang nodded with satisfaction, then pointed to a shady patch of trees nearby and continued, "And here, we can find the common 'burdock'."
"Burdock?" Chen Fang looked a little confused and tilted her head slightly.
"Yes, burdock leaves are relatively broad, with wavy edges, and the roots can be used as medicine, which is very effective in clearing away heat, detoxifying, and removing phlegm." Doctor Zhang patiently added, "Remember, burdock roots are also often used to make tea, which has a unique flavor."
"So that's how it is. I've never noticed this before." Chen Fang took notes carefully, marveling at the vastness and profoundness of the world of herbs.
"There is also 'Coptis chinensis', which is also a very important medicinal herb." Doctor Zhang continued, pointing to a small clump under the tree. "Its rhizome is yellow and has an extremely bitter taste. It is mainly used to clear away heat and dampness, and can effectively treat gastrointestinal diseases."
"The bitterness of Coptis chinensis is recorded in the Compendium of Materia Medica. It is indeed a good medicine." Chen Fang sighed, and then asked softly, "Doctor Zhang, are there any special contraindications for these herbs?"
Doctor Zhang thought for a moment and said solemnly: "Although herbal medicine is good, the dosage must be controlled. For example, although the effect of Coptis chinensis is remarkable, excessive use will cause indigestion, so you must be careful."
"I'll keep it in mind." Chen Fang responded seriously, making a note on the note that could not be ignored.
"Go further, we will see 'Houttuynia cordata.'" Doctor Zhang guided her through a patch of flowers and came to the stream. "Houttuynia cordata has heart-shaped leaves and white flowers. Its roots and stems can be used as medicine, especially good at clearing away heat, detoxifying and reducing swelling." He added at the right time.
"These medicinal herbs really opened my eyes!" Chen Fang's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"There is also a herb called 'Vialla yedoensis', which often grows on the edges of field paths," Doctor Zhang continued.
"I remember this! Its flowers are purple, a common sight in spring." Chen Fang said with joy on her face, as if she had integrated these herbs into her heart one by one.
"Indeed, that's good." Doctor Zhang nodded in agreement. "Remember these herbs. I will look for the rest in another forest tomorrow. You still need to remain patient."