In the martial arts novel "The Legend of the Condor Heroes", the sweeping monk of Shaolin Temple may seem ordinary, but in reality, he possesses unparalleled martial arts skills. In traditional Chinese medicine rooms, there are also some "sweeping monks" - they are cheap, often overlooked, but have unexpected therapeutic effects. These drugs have been validated for thousands of years, and although not as valuable as ginseng and cordyceps, they can play a more significant role in certain diseases. Today, we will take stock of 5 undervalued affordable medicines and uncover their mysteries. Chicken internal gold, a "gastrointestinal cleaner" who can digest food and dissolve accumulation. Chicken internal gold refers to the inner wall of the chicken's sand sac (chicken skin), which is known as the "holy herb for digestion" in traditional Chinese medicine. It has an extremely low price and can even be found in the vegetable market, but its medicinal value should not be underestimated. It is suitable for indigestion, bloating, belching, especially for relieving children's food accumulation and softening stones. Modern research has found that chicken internal medicine can help alleviate gallstones and kidney stones, improve spleen and stomach weakness. For those with long-term loss of appetite and malnutrition, chicken internal medicine powder can be taken orally. Usage: Grind chicken inner gold into fine powder, 3-5 grams each time, take with warm water. Alternatively, it can be boiled with hawthorn or malt to enhance its digestive effect. Research has shown that chicken internal gold is rich in pepsin and amylase, which can directly promote food breakdown. Galla seeds, a natural "hemostatic and anti-inflammatory patch". Galla galls are insect galls formed by aphids parasitizing on salted wood. Although they have an inconspicuous appearance, they are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and surgery to stop bleeding. They have remarkable effects on gum bleeding, nosebleeds, and traumatic bleeding; Converge and reduce inflammation, suitable for oral ulcers, hemorrhoids, and skin eczema; Antibacterial and has inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Usage: Apply externally after grinding to quickly stop bleeding. In addition, rinsing mouth with boiled water can treat oral ulcers. Research has shown that galls contain over 70% tannic acid and have a strong astringent effect. Night vine, a natural calming aid for sleep. Yejiaoteng is the stem of Polygonum multiflorum, priced at only 1/10 of that of Polygonum multiflorum, but it has a better calming effect and can improve insomnia, especially suitable for insomnia with heart kidney non overlapping type (easy to wake up from multiple dreams). It can relieve anxiety, and for those with mild anxiety and neurasthenia, boiling water can be used as a substitute for tea. Can unblock meridians and relieve pain, used to treat rheumatism and numbness in limbs. Usage: Take 30g of night wisteria and 10g of acacia bark, and take 1 hour before bedtime. In addition, it can be paired with jujube seeds to enhance the effect. Research has shown that anthraquinone compounds in night wisteria can regulate GABA receptors and improve sleep. Winter melon skin, the discarded 'diuretic and antihypertensive treasure'. Winter melon skin is often discarded, but in the eyes of traditional Chinese medicine, its moisturizing effect is even better than that of winter melon meat. The efficacy includes: diuresis and swelling reduction, effective for nephritis edema, pregnancy edema, and obesity edema; Assist in lowering blood pressure, suitable for patients with early-stage hypertension; Clearing heat and relieving heatstroke, boiling water in summer can prevent heatstroke. Usage: Take 50g of fresh winter melon skin and 30g of red beans, boil in water and drink. It can also be dried and stored for all seasons. Research has shown that winter melon skin has a high potassium content and can promote sodium metabolism. Radish seeds, a low-key expert in resolving phlegm. Laizi is a mature seed of radish, which has excellent effects in reducing phlegm and qi, and has significant effects on phlegm accumulation, viscosity, and chronic bronchitis. It can relieve bloating and promote bowel movements, and treat bloating and constipation caused by food accumulation and qi stagnation. It can also lower qi and relieve asthma, and assist in the treatment of asthma. Usage: Stir fry 10g of radish seeds and 6g of dried tangerine peel, boil in water and take. It can also be mixed with honey to alleviate children's phlegm and cough. Research has shown that Semen Ziziphi contains glucosinolates, which can dilute phlegm. How to use these 'sweeping monks' correctly? Dialectical use: Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes targeted treatment, and it is recommended to consult a physician. Caution: Use with caution for constipation caused by gallnut, and not suitable for those with deficiency of qi caused by radish. Reasonable compatibility: Combining with other drugs can enhance the therapeutic effect (such as chicken internal gold+hawthorn). The world of traditional Chinese medicine is vast and profound. These "sweeping monk like" medicines have proven their value with a hundred years of efficacy. Next time you walk into a traditional Chinese medicine clinic, you may want to pay more attention to these low-key "powerhouses", perhaps you can discover more suitable health solutions for you. (The author is a pharmacist from the Pharmacy Department of Beijing Ditan Hospital) (New Press)