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Sugarcane
Saccharum sinensis Roxb.
GAN ZHE
Sugarcane, gan zhe, is a long living type of grass. The stalks are
cylindrical and strong, growing to a height of 2-4 meters with a diameter of
20-50 mm. The jointed stalk is smooth and shiny.
The stalk is composed of a whitish fiber containing abundant sweet juice. It
is in season in summer, autumn and winter.
Sugarcane has a sweet flavor and is neutral in nature. It helps invigorate
the spleen, promotes secretion of saliva, benefits the urine and reduces the
after effects of alcohol.
It contains sucrose, other sugars, vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, protein, fat,
calcium, phosphorous, iron, various amino acids, organic acids, etc.
APPLICATIONS
1. HEAT PROSTRATION WITH EXCESSIVE THIRST; SUNSTROKE. Chew an appropriate
amount of cane each day at frequent intervals.
2. FEVER CAUSING LACK OF SALIVA; DRY MOUTH; CONTINUOUS FEVERISH FEELING.
Take 1-2 cups of cane juice and drink it. Do this daily, three times a day.
3. ACUTE OR CHRONIC THROAT INFLAMMATION. Take appropriate quantities of
sugarcane, water chestnuts and cogongrass roots (Imperata
cylindrica var. major). Steam in water and use in the place of tea.
4. LOSS OF APPETITE; DRY RETCHING; CONSTIPATION. Take 250 grams of sugarcane
and 30 grams of lei gong gen and steam in water. Take half in the morning
and the same in the evening.
5. BLADDER AREA HOT AND MOIST: PASSING OF URINE BRIEF, PAINFUL AND RED IN
COLOUR. Take 500 grams of sugarcane and 30 grams of the pian cao (asiatic
plantain- Plantago asiatica). Simmer in water and drink in place of tea.
6. DROPSY (SLIGHT INDICATIONS DURING PREGNANCY). Take 250-500 grams of fresh
cane, steam in water and drink in the place of tea.
7. VOMITING DURING PREGNANCY. Take 1 cup of juice from fresh sugarcane, add
a small amount of juice from fresh green ginger and drink at one time.
WARNING
If suffering from asthenia and cold sensation in the spleen and stomach
avoid eating sugarcane.
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