Medicinal Herbs

Hairy Birthwort (Xun Gu Feng)

⚠ Do not use. Hairy birthwort (Xun Gu Feng) is an Aristolochia species. 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 This page is kept for historical reference only; nothing here is a recommendation.

噚骨風

Hairy birthwort (Xungufeng)

Pharmaceutical Name: Herba Aristolochiae Mollissimae

Botanical Name: Aristolochia mollissima Hance

Common Name: Hairy birthwort

Source of Earliest Record: Zhiwu Mingshi Tukao

Part Used: The whole plant is gathered in summer or autumn, cleaned and dried.

Natural Properties & Taste: Pungent, bitter and neutral

Meridians: Liver

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To dispel wind and dampness.
2. To clear the channels and collaterals.

3. To stop pain.

Indications & Combinations: Wind-damp obstruction syndrome manifested as joint pain, numbness of the limbs, tendon and muscle spasms and pain from external injury. Hairy birthwort (Xungufeng) may be used alone in decoction or soaked in wine, or used with other herbs that dispel wind and dampness.

Dosage: 10-15 g

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.

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About Grace Chen

Hi, I'm Grace Chen. I’m enthusiastic about Traditional Chinese Medicine, natural healing including Chinese Medicinal Herbs, Acupressure, Qi-Gong, foot massage and more. My passion for herbs had been a lifelong journey beginning as a young girl always been fascinated by my grandfather’s Chinese Herbal Medicine chest, full of amazing goodies helping people get well. To chase my dreams, I created a website, HerbalShop.com to share my passion, my grandfather Dr. Chen’s herbal recipes, interesting new and the translation of the classical Chinese herbal formulas with the world. Hope you enjoy it!