Hog Weed
Hong weed is a creeping and spreading perennial herb, with a stout root
- stuck and many erect or spreading branches. It grows up to 2 meters in
length. The leaves of the plant are simple, broad, somewhat rough, thick and
brittle. The flowers are pink or red in colour. The fruits are oval in
shape, dull-green or brownish in colour and about the size of caraway bean.
It is effective in the treatment of dropsy, a disease marked by an excessive
collection of a watery fluid in the tissues and cavities or natural hollows
of the body. The flesh boiled herb should be given in the treatment of this
disease. A liquid extract of the fresh or dry plant can also be given in
doses of 4 to 16 grams.
It is beneficial in the treatment of several stomach disorders, particularly
intestinal colic. A powder of the root is given in doses of 5 grams thrice a
day. It is also useful in killing or expelling intestinal worms. It also
promotes the removal of catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tubes
and is therefore, beneficial in the treatment of asthma. A powder of the
root can be taken in small doses three times a day.
The root of the plant is useful in the treatment of several disease -
particularly of the kidney and heart - as well as gonorrhoea. It is also
valuable in oedema, anemia, cough, pleurisy, nervous weakness, constipation
and paralysis.
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