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Armand Clematis Stem (Mu Tong – Chuan)
⚠ Do not use. Mu Tong is sold under several names, and one of them, Guan Mu Tong, is an Aristolochia. Plants of this kind contain, or are routinely confused with plants that contain, aristolochic acid, which causes kidney failure and urinary-tract cancer. The U.S. FDA has banned their import and sale. This page is kept for historical reference only; nothing here is a recommendation.
川木通
Clematis stem (Mutong)
Pharmaceutical Name: Caulis Aristolochiae seu Clematis
Botanical Name: 1. Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom.. 2. Clematis armandii Franch.. 3. C. Montana Buch.-Ham.
Common Name: Akebia, Clematis stem
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing
Part Used: The stems are gathered in spring or autumn. The bark is removed, and the stems are dried in the sun.
Natural Properties & Taste: Bitter and cold
Meridians: Heart, small intestine and urinary bladder
Therapeutic Effects:
1. To promote water metabolism and relieve abnormal urination.
2. To clear heat and promote lactation.
Indications:
1. Damp-heat in the urinary bladder manifested as dysuria, painful urination, frequent urination, urgency of micturition and abdominal distension and fullness, or flaring up of heart fire manifested as ulceration of the mouth and tongue, irritability and blood in the urine. Clematis stem (Mutong) is used with Bamboo leaf (Zhuye), Licorice root (Gancao) and Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang) in the formula Daochi San.
2. Insufficient lactation. Clematis stem (Mutong) is used with Vaccaria seed (Wangbuliuxing) and Pangolin scales (Chuanshanjia), or Clematis stem (Mutong) is cooked with pig’s feet.
Dosage: 3-6 g
Cautions & Contraindications: Avoid giving overdosages of the herb. It is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Traditional use is not proof of safety or effect. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using any herb if you are pregnant, nursing, or take medicine.
