Cuscuta seed, also known as rootless vine or rootless grass, is a unique plant. Unlike most plants, dodder has neither roots nor leaves, but it is able to survive very lushly. This plant is common in the countryside and its yellow plant like a spider's web can be seen on some legumes, which is the dodder seed. It has many aliases, such as yellow vine, yellow silk vine, golden silk vine and so on. Cuscuta belongs to the family Spiral, with thin, golden-yellow stems that bloom white flowers in summer, and fruits that appear in autumn and are ovate and light brown.
Cuscuta is a plant that is very widespread and can be found in almost every province of the country, and is commonly found on roadsides, near bushes and sand dunes. Although it is seen as a harmful plant in agriculture and is known as a "plant vampire", it also has its value. First of all, dodder seeds have a high edible value. In autumn, dodder seeds are harvested and dried to make soup or porridge. Especially for middle-aged men or people with poor kidney function, making chicken soup with dodder seeds is an excellent choice. Secondly, dodder seeds are also rich in nutritional value. Modern research has found that dodder seeds are rich in vitamin A, brass, glycosides and sugars, which can be drunk in tea or water, and have the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys, benefiting sperm and blood, strengthening muscles and bones, delaying aging, and enhancing memory. In the ancient "Shennong's Materia Medica", it is recorded that the long-term service of dodder silk can brighten the eyes and lighten the body and prolong life. In addition, dodder seeds also have high medicinal value. Not only can it be eaten as an ingredient, but it is also a top-grade Chinese medicinal material, and it is listed as an herb alongside wolfberry and ginseng. It is recorded in the "Huiyan of Materia Medica" that dodder seeds can warm and nourish the kidneys, nourish the liver, help the spleen and stomach digestion, etc., and have the effects of warmth, dryness, coolness and dampness, and moisturizing dryness.
Cuscuta is a plant that is both loved and hated, and its functions are varied, both as an ingredient and as a medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore, if we see this plant in rural life, we must not ignore its value, and we can try to use it for dietary therapy or medicinal therapy. Cuscuta tea is a popular drink that can be enjoyed not only for its unique taste but also for the health benefits it brings. Of course, when collecting dodder seeds, care should be taken to choose plants that grow robustly, and care should be taken to protect the normal growth of other crops in nature.
In short, although the plant has no roots and no leaves, it has rich edible and medicinal value. It can not only be used as an ingredient for cooking, but also can be drunk in tea or water, which has the effect of nourishing the kidneys, nourishing the liver, strengthening muscles and bones, and delaying aging. As an ancient and precious Chinese herbal medicine, dodder has a long history and wide application in traditional Chinese medicine. Among the older generation in rural areas, they are well aware of the value of dodder seeds, and they collect them every autumn for therapeutic use or health preservation. The story of Cuscuta is not only a legend of a plant, but also a demonstration of people's positive perception and wisdom of nature.
Taking dodder seeds as an example, we can see the diversity of nature and the magical charm of plants. Whether it is used as an ingredient or as a Chinese herbal medicine for medicinal purposes, it shows people's in-depth research and wide application of plants. By learning Xi and understanding the characteristics and efficacy of dodder seeds, we can better utilize its value and develop more application fields. At the same time, it also reminds us that all things in nature are interconnected, and we must respect nature, protect biodiversity, and achieve harmonious development between man and nature. Only in this way can we better harness the power of plants and bring more benefits to people. Let's delve into the mysteries of plants, explore the infinite wisdom of nature, and let us grow and progress together with plants.