medicinal herbs
Mao Gen
Ranunculus japonicus
Herb: Mao Gen
Latin name: Ranunculus japonicus
Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
Medicinal use of Mao Gen:
The plant is decongestant and vermicide. It is used in the treatment of malaria. The plant contains antitumour compounds.Description of the plant:
Plant:
PerennialHeight:
10 cm(4 inches)
Flowering:
May toJuly
Habitat of the herb:
Moist soils in grassy places in lowland and mountains all over Japan.Edible parts of Mao Gen:
Leaves - cooked. The leaves contain a low level of toxicity that is not enough to be injurious.Propagation of the herb:
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring.Cultivation of Mao Gen:
Moist soils in grassy places in lowland and mountains all over Japan.Known hazards of Ranunculus japonicus:
The leaves are poisonous. The toxicity is of a low measure and the toxins can be destroyed by heat or by drying. Many if not all plants in this genus also have a strongly acrid juice that can cause blistering to the skin.Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.