46 | ORIGINS
Otogirisou hyperici erecti herba
Uses and Abilites Otogirisou is used while bandaging a wound because it has the ability to activate blood, reduce swelling and pain, and adjusting meridian. It can also be used to treat menstrual disorders, lactation disorders, hematemesis, metrorrhagia, for adenoiditis, gout, athletes foot, rheumatism, and neuralgia,and cough. Although mostly used topically, it can also be digested. Origins Otogrisou is native to Japan, eastern Serbia, China, Sakhalin, and the Korean Peninsula because of how it populates there are over 110 different kinds of similar species in Japan alone. The use and name of otogiriso comes from a legend in the Heian period. In the legend centers around a falconer who had a secret plant he used to heal wounds on falcons, however his younger brother told his secret and he was killed. In the Edo period “Wakansansaizue,� written in 1713, indicated that otogrisou was considered a weed and used to treat cuts, sick falcons, and sick dogs. The entire plant is collected when the fruit is maturing, the roots are cut off, and the plant bound up, and then dried in the sun. The branches and leaves of otogiriso are used as dyeing agents. Liquor is also made out of the otogiriso plant. www.knowyourorigins.org
Kakidoshi glechoma hederacea
Uses and Abilities Kakidoshi has many uses within Japanese Folk medicine including antipyrectic, diuretic, weak constitution, nervousness, prevent convulsions, inflammation, calculus, diabetes, hepatitis, gallstones, eczema, and athletes foot. Kakidoshi is known to have some negative side effects when taken in large dosages or for long periods of time. Some side effects which can present themselves are palpitations and lightheadedness. However, kakidoshi has very low toxicity and because of its long use as medicine and as a food product it is considered safe.