What does the pine parasitic tree do and what does it look like?

1. The efficacy and function of pine parasitic trees

The main function of pine parasitic tree is that it can be used as traditional Chinese medicine and has high medicinal value. Pine parasite can be decocted and taken orally or applied externally. It has many functions such as dispelling wind and dampness, promoting qi and relieving pain, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, killing insects and relieving itching. It can be used to treat rheumatism, stomachache, phlegm and cough, scabies itching, skin eczema and other diseases, and has good therapeutic effect. It is mainly distributed in southwest my country as well as Fujian, Taiwan, Hubei, Guangdong, Guangxi and other places, and can be harvested all year round.

2. What does it look like?

1. Appearance characteristics: The pine parasitic tree is a plant of the Loranthaceae family, Pinus obtusifolia. The plant height is 0.5-1m. The leaves of young branches are densely covered with brown stellate hairs, and the twigs are dark brown. Leaves are alternate or clustered on short branches. The petiole length is about 1-2.5mm. The leaves are nearly spoon-shaped or linear, 2-3 cm long and 3-7 mm wide. Umbels, 1-2 axillary, with 2-3 flowers; pedicels 1-2mm long, flowers are bright red. The flowering period is from July to August, and the fruiting period is from April to May of the following year.

2. Growth environment: It mostly grows in mountain coniferous forests or mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests at an altitude of about 900-2800m, and parasitizes on plants of the genera Pinus, Chinese Fir, Fir, Spruce or Cedrus. Its leaves, stems and branches can be used as medicine and have high medicinal value. For internal use, take about 9-15g and boil it in water. For external use, crush or grind an appropriate amount and apply it to the affected area.