Description

Bletilla striata（白芨） possesses multiple effects, including astringent hemostasis, swelling reduction and tissue regeneration, gastric mucosa protection, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and beauty enhancement. It is a commonly used hemostatic and restorative herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

1. Astringent Hemostasis: Bletilla striata is rich in gelatinous components, which can promote platelet aggregation and shorten clotting time, showing significant efficacy in treating pulmonary and gastric bleeding (such as hemoptysis due to pulmonary tuberculosis, hemoptysis due to bronchiectasis, and hematemesis due to gastric ulcer). It can be taken internally or applied externally:

Internal use is often combined with Panax notoginseng and donkey-hide gelatin to enhance the hemostatic effect; For external bleeding, applying the powder externally can quickly form a protective film, achieving local hemostasis.

2. Swelling Reduction and Tissue Regeneration, Promoting Wound Healing: Bletilla striata polysaccharides can stimulate fibroblast proliferation and accelerate granulation tissue and collagen synthesis, making it suitable for:

Chronic ulcers such as burns, scalds, bedsores, and diabetic foot; poor surgical wound healing, and skin fissures.

It is often used in combination with herbs such as Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Angelica sinensis. For external application, mixing with Vaseline or sesame oil enhances its effects.

3. **Protecting the Gastric Mucosa:** The gum of Bletilla striata can form a physical protective layer on the stomach wall, isolating the ulcer surface from gastric acid and bile, relieving stomach pain and acid reflux symptoms, and assisting in the treatment of gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers. It is often used in combination with cuttlebone and Fritillaria thunbergii.

4. **Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory:** Its ethanol extract has inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and can be used as an adjunct treatment for purulent skin infections and carbuncles. External washing or wet compresses can reduce redness, swelling, and exudation.

5. **Beauty and Skin Care:** Bletilla striata contains polysaccharides and phenanthrene compounds, which have moisturizing, antioxidant, and tyrosinase-inhibiting effects. It is commonly used to:

improve dry and rough skin;

lighten age spots and acne scars.

Traditional formulas often combine Poria cocos, Angelica dahurica, and pearl powder to make external face masks.