Microcos paniculata
StarMicrocos paniculata
Synonyms: Microcos glabra, Arsis rugosa, Grewia nervosa, Grewia microcos, Grewia muenterii, Microcos mala, Microcos nervosa, Fallopia nervosa, Grewia microcos var. rugosa
Traditionally used for
- Colds & fever
- Digestion
- Energy & fatigue
- Liver & jaundice
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
Throughout Lingnan southern China and Hong Kong the leaves of Microcos paniculata, known as bu zha ye 布渣叶, are a long-standing Cantonese folk and regional pharmacopoeial medicine taken as a decoction or in cooling herbal teas to relieve food stagnation, indigestion, summer-heat oppression and jaundice (Chinese Pharmacopoeia Lingnan supplement; Bensky, Clavey & Stöger, 2004). Across Southeast Asia the leaves are similarly used in folk practice for indigestion, fever and as a postnatal tonic (Burkill, 1966 Dictionary of the Economic Products of the Malay Peninsula; Wiart, 2006).
Botanical Description
Microcos paniculata (syn. Grewia microcos) is a small evergreen tree of the Malvaceae (formerly Tiliaceae) widespread across South and Southeast Asia from India and southern China through Indochina to Malesia. It reaches 4–10 m tall with a slender trunk and dark grey bark. The alternate, elliptic to oblong-lanceolate leaves are 8–15 cm long with three prominent palmate basal veins, finely toothed margins and a stellate-hairy underside. Loose terminal panicles bear many small, pale-yellow, five-petalled flowers in summer. The fruit is a small, dark, ovoid drupe ripening purple-black and edible. It grows in secondary forest, scrub and village margins on a wide range of soils. In southern China and Hong Kong the dried leaves are the standard regional herbal drug bu zha ye 布渣叶, formerly listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as a Lingnan medicine.
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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