Genkwa Flower
Genkwa Flower (Top), Osmanthus Flower (Bottom) (Thin like a flattened club, grayish-green, branches and stems densely covered with white down, soft in texture, pungent and irritating odor)
【Naming】
【Source】
Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic – Lower Grade
【Common Usage Level】
D
【Botanical Origin】
The dried flower buds of Daphne genkwa Sieb. et Zucc., a plant in the Thymelaeaceae family.
【Characteristics】
It appears as a curved or slightly flattened club shape, about 1 cm long and about 0.3 cm in diameter, often single or in clusters of 3-7. The upper end is slightly enlarged and divided into 4 petals, light yellowish-brown, and the lower end is thinner, grayish-brown, densely covered with white down. The center of the flower is harder and purplish-red. The whole flower is soft in texture. It has a slight fragrance, prolonged sniffing can cause headaches, and it has a slightly sweet taste with a spicy sensation when chewed.
【Identification】
《Essential Book of Materia Medica》: “The longer it is stored, the better.” 《Medical Symptoms》: “Genkwa flower produced in the Han region is the best.”
Good quality genkwa flower has many neat, unbroken buds that are light purple and small and unopened. Those with coarse, yellowing flowers or mixed with impurities are of secondary quality. Fully bloomed flowers that are dried become uneven and easily broken, resulting in the worst quality.
【Category】
Flower