Clematis root (Weilingxian)

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Clematidis

Botanical Name: 1. Clematis chinensis Osbeck; 2. Clematis hexapetala Pall.

Common Name: Clematis root

Source of Earliest Record: Xinxiu Bencao

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The roots, or rhizomes, are dug and gathered in autumn and then cleaned and dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Pungent, salty and warm

Meridians: Urinary bladder

Functions:
• Promote the circulation of meridians
• Expel wind and dampness, dredge the channel and alleviate pain: For arthralgia of wind-dampness type, especially those with numbness and muscular spasm.
• Disperse limps and relives swelling.
• Wind-damp obstruction syndrome manifested as rheumatic pain, soreness, pain and numbness in the joints and motor impairment

Indications & Combinations:
1. Wind-damp obstruction syndrome manifested as rheumatic pain, soreness, pain and numbness in the joints and motor impairment. Clematis root (Weilingxian) is used with Pubescent angelica root (Duhuo), Mulberry mistletoe (Sangjisheng) and Chinese angelica root (Danggui).

2. Fish bone stuck in the throat. The decoction of the herb is taken orally with vinegar.

Dosage: 5-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in a person with a weak constitution.