- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- China
- Traditions
- Chinese medical traditions
Asia · Herb · № 714
Clematis chinensis
Herb · Asia
Chinese clematis root (wei ling xian)
Clematis chinensis
Traditionally attributed effects: expels wind and dampness and moves the qi in pain anywhere in the body.
Safety notes
Not with qi or blood deficiency. Fresh clematis irritates skin and mucous membranes. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Chinese materia medica: A fish bone stuck in the throat: go to an out-of-hours GP service.
Preparation
Root. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.
Use in traditions
Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that expel wind and dampness'. Wei ling xian, 'mighty spirited immortal', is used for rheumatic pain and, according to tradition, to dislodge a stuck fishbone. The fresh plant irritates the skin.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- pungent, salty, warm
- Meridians
- bladder
Attributed effects
For pain from wind and dampness in any part of the body. Traditionally also with vinegar and brown sugar to soften a fish bone in the throat.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 3–12 g a day, usually in a decoction. The name means roughly 'sacred root of the temple'.
Combinations
- With du huo, sang ji sheng and dang gui for rheumatic pain
Caution: A fish bone stuck in the throat: go to an out-of-hours GP service.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Decoction
- Formulas
- Shu jing huo xue tang