Comprehensive Guide to Medicinal Herbs and Pharmacognosy

MEDICINAL HERBS: ACTISO TO CÁT CÁNH

ACTISO, derived from the species Cynara scolymus within the Asteraceae (Họ Cúc) family, utilizes its leaves (Lá) and flowers (Hoa) as clinical parts. Its chemical composition is characterized by FLAVONOID and CYNARIN. The primary therapeutic actions include liver protection, choleretic promotion (lợi mật), diuretic effects, and the lowering of blood lipids. It is applied in supporting the treatment of liver diseases and hyperlipidemia. A critical clinical note is that ACTISO increases bile secretion, with the volume of bile potentially increasing up to 4 times the base amount.

BA KÍCH, scientifically known as Morinda officinalis of the Rubiaceae (Họ Cà phê) family, employs its roots (Rễ) for medicinal use. The salient chemical components found in this herb include ANTHRAGLYCOSID, TERPENOID, and STEROID. Its pharmacological actions focus on warming the kidneys and supporting yang (ôn thận trợ dương), strengthening tendons and bones, and enhancing overall health. It is applied to support those with weak physiology (sinh lý yếu) and physical weakness. It is explicitly noted that patients suffering from constipation should avoid using this medicinal plant.

BÁCH BỘ, or Stemona tuberosa from the Stemonaceae (Họ Bách bộ) family, uses its tuberous roots (Rễ củ) as the medicinal part. Its prominent chemistry is composed of ALKALOIDS such as Tuberostemonin and Isostemotinin. It serves to reduce coughing, provide anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, and eliminate parasites. Therapeutic applications include treating pertussis (ho gà), long-term coughs, chronic bronchitis, pinworms, and roundworms. Users are warned not to utilize this herb if they have a weak stomach or suffer from diarrhea.

BẠCH CHỈ, identified as Angelica dahurica belonging to the Apiaceae (Họ Hoa tán) family, utilizes its tuberous roots (Rễ củ). The main active components are COUMARIN and essential oils (TINH DẦU). Its actions include pain relief, relieving external syndromes (giải biểu), and anti-inflammation. It is applied to treat fever due to colds, headaches, nasal congestion, and toothaches. However, high doses may lead to convulsions, and it should not be used during instances of high fever.

BÌNH VÔI, or Stephania rotunda from the Menispermaceae (Họ Tiết dê) family, employs its tuber (Củ) which contains ALKALOIDS. The herb functions as a sedative, sleep inducer, and analgesic. Its medical applications involve treating insomnia and neurasthenia. It is cautioned that usage may lead to drug dependency.

BỒ KẾT, known as Gleditsia fera of the Fabaceae (Họ Đậu) family, uses its fruit (Quả). The chemical highlight is SAPONIN. Its actions involve expectoration (long đàm), antibacterial activity, and treating dandruff. It is used to treat coughs with phlegm, tooth decay, and scalp sores, and is popularly used for washing hair. This herb is contraindicated for pregnant women (PNCT) and individuals with gastrointestinal ulcers.

CÀ ĐỘC DƯỢC, or Datura metel belonging to the Solanaceae (Họ Cà) family, uses its seeds (Hạt). The notable chemical components are ALKALOIDS like Scopolamin and Hyoscin. It possesses anticholinergic properties, acts as a smooth muscle antispasmodic, and provides pain relief. Applications include treating asthma, coughs, and preventing vomiting or motion sickness. This medicinal material contains Schedule A toxic substances (chất độc bảng A) and requires strict compliance during use.

CACAO, scientifically Theobroma cacao from the Malvaceae (Họ Bông) family, utilizes its seeds (Hạt). Its composition includes cocoa butter (BƠ CACAO), THEOBROMIN, and CAFEIN. It helps reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes and serves as an excipient in pharmaceutical manufacturing and a raw material for extracting theobromine. It is applied in treating heart failure and weak heart conditions, and as an excipient for suppositories, ointments, and tablets. It may stimulate the nervous and cardiovascular systems, potentially causing insomnia.

CAM THẢO, identified as Glycyrrhiza uralensis of the Fabaceae (Họ Đậu) family, uses its rhizomes (Thân rễ). Its chemistry includes SAPONIN, FLAVONOID, and specifically GLYCYRRHIZIN. Its actions are anti-inflammatory and expectorant. It is applied to treat coughs, loss of voice, and coughs with phlegm, as well as for detoxification and harmonizing other medicinal ingredients in a formula. People with high blood pressure should avoid using this herb.

CÁT CÁNH, known as Platycodon grandiflorum from the Campanulaceae (Họ Hoa chuông) family, utilizes its tuberous roots (Rễ củ). The chemical profile consists of SAPONIN, FLAVONOID, and aromatic acids (ACID THƠM). Its actions are anti-inflammatory and expectorant. It is used to treat coughs, chest tightness, and hoarseness. Caution is advised for those with gastric or intestinal ulcers.

MEDICINAL HERBS: CAU TO GỪNG

CAU, or Areca catechu from the Arecaceae (Họ Cau) family, utilizes its seeds (Hạt) and pericarp (Vỏ quả). The chemical constituents include ALKALOIDS (specifically ARECOLIN), fats, and tannins. It is used for expelling worms and stimulating digestion. Applications include treating parasitic worm diseases, often combining areca seeds with pumpkin seeds for tapeworms. In traditional medicine, the pericarp is used for edema, abdominal bloating, and difficulty urinating. Small doses of arecoline stimulate the nervous system and increase intestinal peristalsis, while high doses can cause death through cardiac arrest and respiratory paralysis.

CHỈ XÁC is the dried immature fruit (Quả cam non phơi khô) of Citrus aurantium within the Rutaceae (Họ Cam) family. The prominent components are FLAVONOID, essential oils, organic acids, and vitamin C. Cardiovascularly, it increases cardiac output and heart contraction strength while improving blood flow to the coronary arteries, brain, and kidneys. Digestively, it is antispasmodic and increases peristalsis. It treats phlegm, shortness of breath, chest tightness, abdominal bloating, migraines, and heart palpitations. It is a source for essential oil extraction and flavoring for food and drinks. It should not be used on an empty stomach.

DẠ CẨM, known as Hedyotis capitellata of the Rubiaceae (Họ Cà phê) family, uses its young shoots (Ngọn non). Its chemistry contains ALKALOID and SAPONIN. Actions include neutralizing acid, relieving pain, fighting inflammation, reducing gastric juice volume, and promoting the growth of new skin. It is used to treat gastric ulcers, mouth and tongue ulcers, and supportive treatment for skin sores and wounds. It is unsuitable for those with a weak stomach or digestive disorders.

DIẾP CÁ, identified as Houttuynia cordata from the Saururaceae (Họ Lá dấp) family, uses the whole plant (Toàn cây). It contains FLAVONOID and essential oils. Flavonoids help strengthen vessel walls and provide antioxidant benefits; specifically, Quercitrin acts as a diuretic. Essential oils provide anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Applications include clearing heat, detoxifying, treating constipation, hemorrhoids, stopping bleeding, and disinfecting the urinary tract. It is also used for lower limb varicose veins. It may easily cause diarrhea.

DỪA CẠN, or Catharanthus roseus within the Apocaceae (Họ Trúc đào) family, uses the whole plant (Toàn cây). It contains ALKALOIDS. Its primary action is anti-cancer, while a liquid extract can lower blood pressure and act as a sedative. In folk medicine, it treats high blood pressure, amenorrhea, and poor digestion. This herb possesses mild toxicity and should not be used without professional guidance.

ĐẠI HỒI, scientifically Illicium verum from the Illiciaceae (Họ Hồi) family, uses its fruit (Quả). The chemical highlights are essential oils and fats in the seeds. It functions to stimulate digestion and is used as a spice. Applications include treating abdominal bloating and indigestion. Caution is required for children and pregnant women.

ĐẠI HOÀNG, known as Rheum palmatum in the Polygonaceae (Họ Rau răm) family, utilizes its rhizomes (Thân rễ). Its chemistry includes ANTHRAGLYCOSID, TANIN, and CALCI OXALAT. It acts as a laxative and purgative, while the constituent Emodin provides antibacterial and antioxidant effects. It is used to treat constipation, dysentery, and typhoid fever. Excessive use of tannins over time can cause constipation, and long-term use of calcium oxalate can lead to the formation of kidney stones.

ĐINH HƯƠNG, identified as Syzygium aromaticum from the Myrtaceae (Họ Sim) family, uses its flower buds (Nụ hoa). It contains essential oils. Actions include stimulating digestion and antibacterial activity. It is applied for indigestion, abdominal pain due to cold, diarrhea, and toothache relief. It can be irritating and requires caution in children and pregnant women.

GỪNG, or Zingiber officinale of the Zingiberaceae (Họ Gừng) family, uses its rhizomes (Thân rễ). The chemistry consists of essential oils and pungent substances (CHẤT CAY). It stimulates digestion, relieves colds, supports cough reduction, warms the body, and acts as a mild antibacterial agent and spice. It is used for indigestion, cold-related abdominal pain, bloating, and food preparation. It should not be used when the body is experiencing internal heat.

MEDICINAL HERBS: HÀ THỦ Ô ĐỎ TO LẠC TIÊN

HÀ THỦ Ô ĐỎ, known as Polygonum multiflorum from the Polygonaceae (Họ Rau răm) family, utilizes its rhizomes (Thân rễ). It contains ANTHRAGLYCOSID and TANIN. It tonifies the liver, kidneys, and blood; the unprocessed form acts as a laxative. It is used for anemia, physical weakness, and early graying of hair and beard. Unprocessed material can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.

HỒ TIÊU, or Piper nigrum from the Piperaceae (Họ Hồ tiêu) family, uses its fruit (Quả). It contains ALKALOID and essential oils. In small doses, it increases gastric and pancreatic juices, stimulating digestion and appetite. It is used as a spice, for pain relief, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and colds. High doses irritate the stomach lining and may cause urinary tract inflammation or hematuria.

HOA HÒE, identified as Sophora japonica of the Fabaceae (Họ Đậu) family, uses its flower buds (Nụ hoa). The primary component is FLAVONOID. It increases the strength of blood vessel walls and reduces capillary permeability due to the presence of rutin. It also provides antioxidant, anti-hemorrhagic, and anti-allergic effects. It is applied to prevent and support the treatment of atherosclerosis, venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids, and capillary hemorrhage. Caution is needed for those on cardiovascular medications.

HOÀI SƠN, or Dioscorea persimilis within the Dioscoreaceae (Họ Củ nâu) family, uses its rhizomes (Thân rễ). Chemical components include starch (TINH BỘT) and mucilage (CHẤT NHẦY). It tonifies the spleen, stomach, and kidneys while consolidating essence (cố tinh) and reducing sweating. It supports blood sugar regulation and is used for nocturia, spermatorrhea, night sweats, dizziness, and diabetes. It should not be used by those with constipation.

HOÀNG LIÊN, scientifically Coptis chinensis from the Ranunculaceae (Họ Hoàng liên) family, uses its rhizomes (Thân rễ). It contains ALKALOID, starch, and organic acids. It is antibacterial—especially against bacteria and parasites causing dysentery—anti-inflammatory, and protects the digestive mucosa. It treats amoebic and bacillary dysentery, diarrhea, red eyes, and gastritis. Large doses can lower blood pressure and cause acute respiratory inhibition.

HOẮC HƯƠNG, known as Pogostemon cablin of the Lamiaceae (Họ Hoa môi) family, uses its aerial parts (Phần trên mặt đất). It contains essential oils. It treats sunstroke, stimulates digestion, reduces bloating, and has mild intestinal antibacterial properties. It is used for indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea, and serve as a fixative in perfumes and food/pharmaceutical industries. It is not recommended for thin/weak individuals, those with high blood pressure, poor sleep, or constipation.

HƯƠNG NHU TÍA, identified as Ocimum sanctum from the Lamiaceae (Họ Hoa môi) family, uses leaves, flowers, and branches (CÀNH MANG LÁ, HOA). It contains essential oils and is used to relieve colds, reduce fever, alleviate headaches, and stimulate digestion as an anti-emetic. It is applied for abdominal pain, vomiting, and as a mouthwash for halitosis. It is not for use in patients with tuberculosis.

ÍCH MẪU, or Leonurus japonicus within the Lamiaceae (Họ Hoa môi) family, uses its aerial parts and fruits (PHẦN TRÊN MẶT ĐẤT - QUẢ). Chemical components include ALKALOID, essential oils, tannins, and flavonoids. It relieves pain, mildly stimulates uterine contraction, and is a diuretic. It regulates menstruation and treats abdominal pain during menses and leukorrhea. The fruit (Sung úy tử) is used for diuresis, edema, and blurred vision. It is contraindicated for pregnant women.

KIM NGÂN HOA, known as Lonicera japonica from the Caprifoliaceae (Họ Kim ngân) family, uses flower buds about to open (HOA SẮP NỞ). It contains FLAVONOID and acts to clear heat, detoxify, and fight inflammation of the upper respiratory tract (tonsillitis, pharyngitis). Application includes treating acne, heat rash, and hives. Caution is needed for those with allergies or cold-deficient physical types (thể hư hàn).

LẠC TIÊN, identified as Passiflora foetida of the Passifloraceae (Họ Lạc tiên) family, uses its aerial parts (Phần trên mặt đất). It contains ALKALOID and FLAVONOID. It functions as a sedative and sleep aid, used for insomnia and neurasthenia in extracts or syrups. It is often combined with other herbs like lotus seed hearts or mulberry leaves. Users should avoid it when mental alertness is required (e.g., driving) and be cautious when combining it with other sedatives.

MEDICINAL HERBS: LIÊN TÂM TO NGŨ TẤT

LIÊN TÂM, the embryo of Nelumbo nucifera from the Nelumbonaceae (Họ Sen) family, contains ALKALOIDS. It provides sedative and sleep-inducing effects and lowers blood pressure. It supports deep sleep but should not be consumed on an empty stomach. It is avoided for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with menstrual irregularities.

LÔ HỘI, or Aloe vera within the Asphodelaceae (Họ Lô hội) family, utilizes its leaves (Nhựa lá, thịt lá). It contains Anthraglycosids (Aloin A, B), vitamins, and minerals. Small doses stimulate digestion and act as a laxative, while high doses are purgative. It is cooling, moisturizing, and used for constipation and cosmetic wound healing. It causes congestion in the large intestine and uterine contractions, making it contraindicated for those with hemorrhoids or pregnancy.

MA HOÀNG, identified as Ephedra sinica from the Ephedraceae (Họ Ma hoàng) family, uses its aerial parts. It contains ALKALOIDS (specifically EPHEDRIN). It dilates bronchi, reduces intestinal motility, stimulates the heart (increasing heart rate), constricts peripheral vessels (raising blood pressure), and dilates pupils. Traditional uses include fever without sweating, asthma, and cough with phlegm. Ephedrine is banned and highly addictive, causing strong CNS stimulation; it is contraindicated for heart disease and excessive sweating.

MẠCH MÔN, scientifically Ophiopogon japonicus from the Asparagaceae (Họ Măng tây) family, uses its tuberous roots (Rễ củ). It contains Saponins, Flavonoids, and Polysaccharides. It soothes respiratory mucosa, reduces dry coughs, and is a mild diuretic. Applied for dry cough, sore throat, and high fever, it can cause digestive disorders and is not for those with diarrhea.

MÃ ĐỀ, or Plantago major within the Plantaginaceae (Họ Mã đề) family, uses its seeds and leaves (Hat; Lá). Chemistry includes mucilage and Iridoids (aucubosid and catalpol). It is a laxative, protects intestinal mucosa, and is anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and expectorant. Fresh leaves are crushed for boils, and the plant treats intestinal inflammation, gastritis, and dysentery. It should not be overused especially with other diuretics.

MÃ TIỀN, identified as Strychnos nux-vomica from the Loganiaceae (Họ Mã tiền) family, uses its seeds (Hạt). It contains ALKALOIDS (STRYCHNIN, BRUCIN) and fats. Small doses stimulate the central nervous system, spinal cord, and brain activity, while high doses cause convulsions. It stimulates the heart and digestion. Salt-form strychnine treats paralysis and barbiturate poisoning. Unprocessed seeds are only for external massage for rheumatism; this material is highly toxic.

MẦN TƯỚI, known as Eupatorium fortunei (also Trạch lan) of the Asteraceae (Họ Cúc) family, uses the whole plant (Toàn cây). It contains COUMARIN and essential oils. In traditional medicine, it is used for blood activation, irregular cycles, trauma, and skin sores. It is contraindicated for pregnant women as it may increase bleeding.

MĂNG CỤT, or Garcinia mangostana from the Clusiaceae (Họ Bứa) family, uses its pericarp (Vỏ quả). It features TANIN, resin, and Xanthone derivatives. Xanthones are anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant. It is applied to treat diarrhea and dysentery but should not be used in high doses or for extended periods.

MÙ U, identified as Calophyllum inophyllum within the Clusiaceae (Họ Bứa) family, uses its seeds (Hạt). It contains COUMARIN (CALOPHYYLOLIDE) and fatty oils. Mù u oil is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, while the resin treats skin diseases and promotes scarring for burns and ulcers. Caution is needed for those with skin allergies.

MUỒNG TRÂU, known as Senna alata (also Muồng lác) from the Fabaceae (Họ Đậu) family, uses its leaves (Lá). It contains Anthraglycosids (chrysophanol, rhein, emodin), Kaempferol, and sitosterol. It acts as a laxative and purgative and is used folk-medically for ringworm. Users must protect skin from the sun as anthranoids can cause skin thinning and sunspots.

MEDICINAL HERBS: NGŨ BỘI TỬ TO SÀI ĐẤT

NGŨ BỘI TỬ, the galls (Tổ sâu) on the Galla chinensis tree within the Anacardiaceae (Họ Đào lộn hột) family, contains TANIN. It is astringent, stops bleeding, and is antibacterial. It detoxifies alkaloids and heavy metals. Applied for chronic enteritis and external wound infections, excessive use can cause constipation.

NGŨ GIA BÌ, or Schefflera heptaphylla from the Araliaceae (Họ Nhân sâm) family, uses its stem bark (Vỏ thân). It contains SAPONIN and essential oils. It acts as a tonic, aids digestion, and is a diuretic that relieves bone pain. It treats rheumatism and joint pain but is contraindicated for those with constipation.

NGƯU TẤT, identified as Achyranthes bidentata within the Amaranthaceae (Họ Rau dền) family, uses its roots (Rễ). It contains SAPONIN. Actions include lowering blood cholesterol and pressure, reducing back and joint pain, and promoting menstruation. It is used in traditional medicine for difficult labor and blocked menstruation. It is contraindicated for pregnant women.

Ô ĐẦU refers to the mother tuber (Củ mẹ) of Aconitum fortunei in the Ranunculaceae (Họ Hoàng liên) family, while PHỤ TỬ refers to the daughter tuber (Củ con). It contains ALKALOIDS (ACONITIN, ACONIN) and organic acids. It stimulates then paralyzes sensory nerves, reduces body temperature, and is a powerful analgesic. It is used externally for massages for joint pain and sprains. This is a highly toxic material (Schedule A).

ỔI LÁ, derived from Psidium guajava of the Myrtaceae (Họ Sim) family, uses its leaves (Lá). Composition includes TANIN, FLAVONOID (QUERCETIN), and essential oils. It treats diarrhea, dysentery, and is used for washing external wounds. It requires caution for those with constipation or breastfeeding women.

PHAN TẢ DIỆP, known as Senna angustifolia within the Fabaceae (Họ Đậu) family, uses its leaflets (Lá chét). It contains ANTHRAGLYCOSID (RHEIN, EMODIN) and resin. It acts as a laxative and purgative for constipation and indigestion. It is contraindicated for pregnant women; only processed material (using the supernatant) should be used, not fresh leaves.

RAU MÁ, identified as Centella asiatica from the Apiaceae (Họ Hoa tán) family, uses the whole plant (Toàn cây). It contains SAPONIN. It clears heat, detoxifies, is a diuretic, and tonifies the liver. Applications include fever, hepatitis, jaundice, burns, and urinary tract infections. It can rarely cause digestive upset or dizziness in sensitive individuals.

RÂU MÈO, or Orthosiphon aristatus of the Lamiaceae (Họ Hoa môi) family, uses its aerial parts (Phần trên mặt đất). It contains FLAVONOID. It is a powerful diuretic that excretes chlorides, urea, and uric acid. It treats kidney and gallstones, often combined with kim tiền thảo. Users must be cautious of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

SÀI ĐẤT, known as Wedelia chinensis from the Asteraceae (Họ Cúc) family, uses its aerial parts. It contains COUMARIN (WEDELOLACTON), FLAVONOIDS (APIGENIN, LUTEOLIN, QUERCITRIN), SAPONIN, and essential oils. It clears heat, detoxifies, inhibits inflammation, and stops bleeding. It treats hepatitis, cystitis, skin sores, and uterine hemorrhage. It may cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

MEDICINAL HERBS: TAM THẤT TO Ý DĨ

TAM THẤT, or Panax notoginseng within the Araliaceae (Họ Nhân sâm) family, uses its tuberous roots (Rễ củ). It contains SAPONIN, POLYSACCHARID, and essential oils. It tonifies blood, stops bleeding, and relieves pain. It is applied for anemia, coughing or vomiting blood, and postpartum recovery. It is contraindicated for pregnant women.

TẢO BẸ, known as Laminaria saccharina from the Laminariaceae (Họ Tảo bẹ) family, uses its whole body (Toàn thân). It contains mucilage, iodine (IÓD), Laminaran, and vitamins A, D, and various salts (K, Na, Ca). It is a laxative and supplements minerals. It is used for goiters (bướu cổ), atherosclerosis, and rickets in children. Caution is needed for those with thyroid conditions due to the iodine content.

THẢO QUẢ, identified as Amomum aromaticum in the Zingiberaceae (Họ Gừng) family, uses its ripe fruit (Quả chín). It contains essential oils and stimulates digestion while dispelling cold. It treats abdominal bloating and vomiting and is primarily a spice. It may irritate the digestive tract and is not for those who are pale, anemic, or physically weak.

THẦU DẦU, or Ricinus communis within the Euphorbiaceae (Họ Thầu dầu) family, uses its seeds (Hạt). It contains fatty oils (ACID RICINOLEIC). It is used as a purgative for constipation and to expel the placenta. Only refined castor oil should be used due to the high toxicity of RICIN in raw seeds. It is contraindicated for pregnant women as it causes uterine contractions.

THIÊN MÔN, known as Asparagus cochinchinensis from the Asparagaceae (Họ Măng tây) family, uses its tuberous roots (Rễ củ). It contains Saponins, amino acids, carbohydrates, and mucilage. It is a laxative, expectorant, diuretic, and cooling agent used for coughs, insomnia, and thirst. Long-term use may cause digestive disorders.

TÔ MỘC, derived from the core wood (Gỗ lõi) of Caesalpinia sappan (also Cây gỗ vang) in the Fabaceae (Họ Đậu) family, contains Flavonoids and gallic acid. It activates blood, relieves pain, and regulates menstruation. It treats amenorrhea, postpartum blood stasis, and trauma, and is also used as a wood dye. It is contraindicated for pregnant women.

TRẦN BÌ is the dried tangerine peel (Vỏ quả ngoài quýt) of Citrus reticulata from the Rutaceae (Họ Cam) family. It contains essential oils and is used to reduce coughs, expectorate phlegm, and alleviate cold abdominal pain. It is used in food flavoring and can irritate those with gastric ulcers.

VÀNG ĐẮNG, identified as Coscinium fenestratum within the Menispermaceae (Họ Tiết dê) family, uses its stems and roots (Thân và rễ). It contains ALKALOIDS like BERBERIN and PALMATIN. It clears heat, reduces fever, is antibacterial, and is a source of berberine. Berberine chloride treats diarrhea and eye infections. Long-term use can affect the liver.

VIỄN CHÍ, or Polygala sibirica of the Polygalaceae (Họ Viễn chí) family, uses its roots (Rễ). It contains SAPONIN and is used for coughing, as a sedative, and to improve memory (ích trí). It is often paired with other herbs for neurasthenia. The triterpenoid saponins can irritate the digestive system.

VÔNG NEM (LÁ), the leaves of Erythrina orientalis within the Fabaceae (Họ Đậu) family, contains ALKALOIDS (erythranin, erysonin), saponins, flavonoids, and tannins. It provides nerve-calming and sedative effects for insomnia and anxiety. Crushed leaves help treat external hemorrhoids. Use caution when taking other sedatives.

XA CAN, or Belamcanda chinensis (also Rẻ quạt) from the Iridaceae (Họ La - đơn) family, uses its rhizomes (Thân rễ). It contains FLAVONOIDS. It treats coughs, phlegm, and throat conditions like tonsillitis and hoarseness. It should not be used by those with weak spleen and stomach function.

Ý DĨ, known as Coix lachryma-jobi (also Bo bo) of the Poaceae (Họ Lúa) family, uses its seeds (Hạt). It contains starch, Coixenolid, and Coixans A, B, and C. It supports digestion (kiện tỳ), tonifies the body, and is a diuretic. It treats digestive-related diarrhea and edema. Regular use may cause nutritional imbalances, and it may lead to excessive blood sugar reduction.