Latin names: Ramulus sangjisheng, Taxillus chinensis (DC), Viscum coloratum (Kom.)
Chinese name: sang ji sheng (meaning “mulberry parasite” in English)
Other names: mulberry mistletoe, nakai
What is Loranthus?
Loranthus is a parasitic shrub or small tree. This means that it grows on other trees, typically intertwined through older branches. Loranthus can be found on mulberry trees, as well as other species.
What are the health benefits of Loranthus?
Loranthus is a very well known herb in traditional Chinese medicine that is used medicinally to treat soreness, pain, weakness, numbness, and atrophy in the back, knees and other joints. It is a nourishing herb that can treat dry scaly skin. Loranthus can calm a restless fetus or treat uterine bleeding during pregnancy and help prevent miscarriage. It is a diuretic (promotes urination), antiviral, and has recently been used in the treatment of hypertension. Loranthus is a title herb in one of the classic formulas of traditional Chinese medicine: Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, which treats back pain, weakness, and arthritis.
What are the guidelines for taking Loranthus?
This herb is cooked (or decocted) in water to be taken orally, and typically is combined with other medicinal herbs in formulas. It can also be cooked with eggs and brown sugar for certain types of dry and scaly skin.
Where can I find Loranthus?
Loranthus can be found in some Asian markets, online, and at the offices of Chinese medical practitioners.
You can find this herb combined with other herbs in the Traditions of Tao formula:
DuraBone, which helps strengthen bones and tendons.
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