how does cuscuta derive its nutrition as there are no leaves
Answers
cuscuta have spiral rings around its stem As it is saprophyte it traps the insects with its spiral rings and gets juice
Preparations
In Western herbalism, the entire thread-like stems of cuscuta are used. They are boiled in water along with such herbs as ginger and allspice to make a decoction. In Chinese herbalism, only the seeds are used. They are almost always used in combination with other herbs, as in concha marguerita and ligastrum formulas.
Precautions
No special precautions are necessary when cuscuta is used in the doses normally prescribed by herbalists.
Side effects
No side effects have been reported when cuscuta is used in doses prescribed by herbalists.
Interactions
Cuscuta has been used for centuries with other Chinese herbs without any reported interactions.