Zong Lu
Trachycarpus fortunei (Hook.f.) H. Wendl.
โฏ TCM Properties
Astringes and Stops Bleeding
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Trachycarpus fortunei, the Chinese windmill palm, is a slow-growing evergreen fan palm native to central and eastern China. It typically reaches 9-12 meters in height, with a single slender trunk covered in dense, coarse, fibrous matting formed from the persistent leaf bases. The leaves are palmate, 50-90 cm wide, divided into numerous narrow segments, and borne on petioles up to 1.5 meters long with toothed margins. The species is dioecious, producing branched panicles of small yellow flowers in spring, followed on female plants by clusters of small, kidney-shaped, blue-black drupes. In TCM, the carbonized leaf petiole base (Zong Lu Tan) and the fruits (Zong Lu Zi) are used as astringents.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Zong Lu (trachycarpus fiber, windmill palm fiber) is a neutral, astringent herb used in Chinese medicine primarily to stop bleeding. In its charred form, it is one of the most reliable hemostatic substances for various bleeding conditions including uterine hemorrhage, hematemesis, hematuria, and epistaxis from Blood deficiency or Heat in the Blood. Unlike herbs that stop bleeding by clearing Heat or cooling Blood, charred trachycarpus primarily astringes to prevent further blood loss, making it applicable to multiple bleeding etiologies when used in combination formulas.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.