Clematis, also known as iron-footed clematis, iron-footed clematis, and iron-legged clematis, are perennial woody vines of the ranunculaceae family and clematis. Its rhizome is cylindrical in shape and mildly colored and usually light brown. The rhizome protrudes many ten times, sometimes showing fine white hairs, and its leaves are papery, pinnate compound in shape, ovate or lanceolate. Clematis bloom between June and October, and the flowers are clustered together in axillary or terminal form to present conical inflorescences with a pure white color and a rich aroma. The fruit ripens between August and December and is oval or oval in shape.
In the ancient book "Materia Medica", there is this description: "The stems of clematis are mostly covered with fine white hairs, and the leaves are like willow leaves but wide, with serrated edges, similar to the leaves of the spiral flower. The leaves grow in layers, with six to seven leaves per layer, arranged like wheels, and can reach up to six to seven layers. The flower color is light purple or blue-white, and the inflorescence is pomp-shaped, and it also has a shape like a chrysanthemum head. The fruit is green in color, the rhizome is dense, and many roots have many thin and dense whiskers. These descriptions clearly depict what the clematis plant looks like.
Today it is difficult to find traces of clematis in the natural environment, but in earlier times it was a very common plant in rural areas and was distributed in various provinces of our country. It can usually be found on hillsides, in the bushes of mountain forests, and sometimes even in the grass on the side of the road. Because of its medicinal and edible value, clematis is loved and valued by farmers.
1. The young leaves of clematis are edible
The young leaves of clematis are edible in spring and summer, and after being picked, they can be used to make a variety of delicacies. The simple method is to wash the young clematis leaves, boil them in boiling water to remove the bitterness, and then add the appropriate amount of seasoning to taste and serve. In the Ming Dynasty's "Materia Medica" there is such a record: "When saving the famine, you can pick the leaves of clematis, cook them and change the water, then rinse them with water, add oil and salt to taste, and use them as food." "This illustrates how and what the young leaves of clematis are used to eat.
2. The root of clematis can be used to make soup
In addition to the young leaves that can be used as an ingredient, the roots of clematis can also be used to make soups. For example, clematis root can be stewed with ingredients such as chicken, lean pork, lamb, or pig's trotters. Clematis has the effect of strengthening muscles and bones, helping yang qi, and replenishing fatigue, and is used to make soup with good therapeutic effect. In addition, some farmers also like to use clematis root to soak in wine to enjoy its delicious taste and many health benefits.
3. The roots and seeds of clematis can be used for medicinal purposes
Clematis is not only a delicious ingredient, but also has important medicinal properties. It is widely used in the field of traditional Chinese medicine, and has the functions of dispelling rheumatism, clearing meridians, and eliminating bone stems. Zhu Danxi, a famous medical scientist in the Yuan Dynasty, once commented: "Clematis is the key medicinal material for gout, suitable for all kinds of people, and the effect is very obvious." In addition, the "Compendium of Materia Medica" also has relevant records: "Clematis can ** rheumatism and phlegm drinking diseases, especially effective for people with insufficient qi and blood." "It can be seen that clematis has an important position and high medicinal value in traditional Chinese medicine.
As a common plant, clematis is not only widely used in rural areas, but also plays an important role in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. Clematis's many uses and benefits prove its value and uniqueness. Today, when the natural environment is increasingly damaged, we should cherish and protect these precious herb resources, make use of their various characteristics as much as possible, and bring more benefits to human life and health.
I think it needs to be carefully considered as to whether this plant is suitable for large-scale cultivation. As an easy-to-grow plant, clematis can better exert its natural attributes and ecological functions in the wild. However, if the plant is over-harvested or planted in large quantities, it may cause damage to its natural growth environment, which in turn affects its ability to survive and reproduce. Therefore, when using clematis, it is necessary to pay attention to the rational use and protect the sustainability of plant resources.
Overall, clematis is a plant with important medicinal and edible properties, and its roots, leaves, seeds, and other parts can be used for various purposes. People should value and protect it, and make full use of its multiple benefits to help individuals with their health and quality of life. At the same time, we should also pay attention to environmental protection and actively participate in the protection and sustainable use of plant resources, so as to promote the harmonious development of man and nature.