Wei Ling Xian
Clematis chinensis Osbeck
โฏ TCM Properties
Dispels Wind-Dampness; Unblocks the Channels and Alleviates Pain; Softens and dissolves bone (treats fish bone lodged in the throat); Resolves Phlegm and Disperses Accumulation
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Clematis chinensis (Wei Ling Xian, Chinese clematis) is a deciduous to semi-evergreen woody climber in the Ranunculaceae family, scrambling 3 to 10 meters by means of twining petioles. The slender, ridged stems bear opposite, pinnately compound leaves with five (sometimes three) ovate to ovate-lanceolate leaflets 1.5 to 6 centimeters long, with entire margins and three prominent basal veins. From late summer into autumn, the plant produces large axillary and terminal panicles of numerous small fragrant white flowers, each about 1 to 1.5 centimeters across, with four to six spreading, narrowly oblong tepals that resemble petals (true petals are absent in Clematis) and a central cluster of numerous yellow stamens. The achenes are small, ovoid, and tipped with a persistent feathery, white, plumose style 2 to 4 centimeters long, giving the fruiting heads a silky appearance. Native to central, southern, and eastern China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. The roots and rhizomes are harvested in autumn and dried for medicinal use.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-15g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Bai Jiang Cao (patrinia herb) is a cold, bitter herb with a strong ability to clear Heat toxin and expel pus. It is a primary herb for intestinal abscesses and Lung abscesses โ internal abscesses involving pus formation. It also treats pelvic inflammatory conditions, inflamed or festering sores, and postpartum abdominal pain from Blood stagnation. Its combination of Heat-clearing and Blood-moving properties makes it particularly useful where both infection and stagnation are present.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.