Dichondra sericea var. microcalyx

What is Dichondra sericea var. microcalyx?

Dichondra sericea var. microcalyx is a plant species that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae.

It is an annual or perennial herb, with a hairy stem that reaches heights of 10-30 cm. Leaves are ovate or elliptical in shape, 1-4 cm long, and 0.5-2 cm wide, with a hairy texture and an entire margin. The inflorescence is a cymose panicle, bearing small, white to pink flowers with five sepals and five petals, 6-8 mm in diameter.

The fruit is a small, hairy capsule that contains several seeds.

What ailments can you heal with this herb?

The most common ailments you can heal with Dichondra sericea var. microcalyx are fever, which is often treated with a tea made from the leaves.

This plant is also used to heal constipation, a digestive issue caused by the inability to pass stools, often due to a lack of fiber or water in the diet. Additionally, Dichondra sericea var. microcalyx is effective in treating hypertension, a condition characterized by abnormally high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. The plant's leaves have also been used to heal kidney problems, a condition where the kidneys fail to filter waste from the blood efficiently.

Furthermore, a decoction of Dichondra sericea var. microcalyx is sometimes used to treat respiratory issues such as bronchitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the airways.

What are the therapeutic properties this herb?

The main therapeutic properties of Dichondra sericea var. microcalyx are anti-inflammatory, which is attributed to the presence of flavonoids and saponins.

This plant exhibits antioxidant activity, helping to protect cells from oxidative damage, due to the bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids and ascorbic acid. Dichondra sericea var. microcalyx has been found to possess antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of various microorganisms, thanks to its content of volatile oils and terpenoids. Additionally, it has been shown to have antipyretic effects, reducing fever, through the action of its bioactive compounds, including coumarins and lignans.

Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties also make it effective in wound healing and skin protection.

What are the medicinal constituents this herb?

The most important healing constituents of Dichondra sericea var. microcalyx are iridoid glycosides such as dichondrin A and B, flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol, phenolic acids like rosmarinic acid, and triterpenoids like ursolic acid and oleanolic acid.

These compounds have been shown to exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Iridoid glycosides have been found to have vasodilatory and spasmolytic effects, while flavonoids possess significant free radical scavenging and metal chelating abilities. The phenolic acids present in Dichondra sericea var. microcalyx have been reported to have anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties, while triterpenoids have shown anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

The combined action of these constituents provides a range of therapeutic benefits to the plant.

What are the main herbal preparations this herb?

The main herbal preparations of Dichondra sericea var. microcalyx are tea, tincture, infusion, salve and dichondra tea.

Dichondra tea is a popular preparation made from the leaves of the plant, traditionally used to treat fever and alleviate symptoms of the common cold. The tincture is prepared by soaking the leaves in a solvent such as ethanol or glycerin to create a concentrated liquid extract. An infusion is made by steeping the leaves in hot water to create a soothing drink, often used to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.

A salve is prepared by mixing the dried leaves with a carrier oil and other ingredients to create a topical application for skin irritations and wounds.

What are the possible side effects of using this herb improperly?

The possible side effects of using Dichondra sericea var. microcalyx improperly include inducing vomiting, causing diarrhea, experiencing nausea, showing allergic reactions, and developing abdominal pain.

These side effects can occur due to the plant's toxic compounds, particularly triterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation and allergic responses. Ingestion of the plant can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain as the body tries to eliminate the toxins. Allergic reactions such as skin irritation, itching, and swelling can also occur due to the plant's allergenic properties.

Prolonged exposure to the plant's toxins can exacerbate these side effects, emphasizing the importance of proper handling and use of Dichondra sericea var. microcalyx.