The effects of the monkey bone plant

What kind of tree is the monkey bone tree?

According to an article in the Health & Life newspaper, the monkey bone plant, also known as the "manh cong" plant, is called the "bim bip" plant in the Southeast region of Vietnam. It is a wild plant, a small shrub that grows in clumps and can reach up to 3 meters in height. Its leaves are simple, with short petioles, slightly smooth surfaces, and a dark green color.

The effects of the monkey bone plant

With its sweet taste and neutral properties, the plant known as "monkey bone" (or "monkey bone") has the effect of cooling the liver, benefiting the gallbladder, removing stagnation, reducing swelling, and relieving pain. This plant is also used to support the treatment of jaundice, reduced bile secretion, pain from rheumatism, and bone fractures.

In addition, studies have shown that the monkey bone plant contains many vitamins, minerals, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, and active compounds such as cerebroside and glycerol that are effective in treating herpes sores on the lips and mouth.

Monkey bones have the effect of cooling the liver, benefiting the gallbladder, removing stagnation, reducing swelling, and relieving pain (Illustrative image).

Some medicinal remedies from the monkey bone plant.

In an article published in the Health & Life newspaper, traditional medicine practitioner Huu Duc shared some remedies using the monkey bone plant:

Supportive treatment for chronic hepatitis

30g dried monkey bone plant, 20g corn silk, 12g leaves of *Vang Cach* (a type of herb), 12g dried tangerine peel, 16g *Dai Hanh* (a type of ginseng). Wash all ingredients thoroughly, put them in a pot with 1000ml of water, simmer over low heat for 30 minutes; divide into 3 doses to drink throughout the day. One course of treatment lasts 15 days.

Treating mouth ulcers

Wash 60g of fresh monkey bone leaves, drain, add a little clean water, crush them, filter to extract the juice, and gargle and swallow gradually throughout the day.

Supports the treatment of swollen and painful joints.

30g of monkey bone plant, 20g of crane's knee root and stem, 20g of whole buffalo horn plant, 20g of mulberry mistletoe; add 1200ml of water, decoct to obtain 300ml; divide into 3 doses to be taken after meals throughout the day; use continuously for 15 days.

A remedy to help with spinal degeneration, spinal spurs, and bone pain.

80g of fresh monkey bone plant, 50g of fresh mugwort, 50g of fresh large onion root; wash all ingredients thoroughly, crush them into a paste, sauté with vinegar until warm, apply to the affected area, and bandage in place; apply in the evening before going to bed, remove in the morning, continuously for 10 days; if combined with a decoction for oral consumption, the effect will be even faster.

Notes on using monkey bone plant

According to information on the Vinmec International Hospital website, although the monkey bone plant has many health benefits, to ensure safety and effectiveness, the following should be noted when using it:

Use the recommended dosage. For the dried form, do not use more than 40g per serving; when making tea, use only 10g of dried product.

Monkey bone is a natural remedy, but it should not be used by people with low blood pressure, cold hands and feet, or those experiencing symptoms of cold energy entering the body. Caution is advised for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Additionally, if you are currently taking Western medicine, you should consult your doctor for advice on how to use the herbal remedy derived from the monkey's paw plant. Generally, it should be taken at least one hour apart from your Western medicine.

The monkey bone plant has many health benefits. However, like any medicine, it has contraindications and potential side effects. Therefore, patients should consult their doctor before using it.

Khanh Giao

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/tac-dung-cua-cay-xuong-khi-ar1020085.html