Clematis Root (Weilingxian)
| Pharmaceutical Name: | Radix Clematidis |
| Botanical Name: | Clematis chinensis Osbeck Clematis hexapetala Pall. |
| Common Name: | Clematis root, Six-petal Clematis root |
| Source of Earliest Record: | Xinxiu Bencao |
| art Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: | The roots, or rhizomes, are dug and gathered in autumn and then cleaned and dried in the sun. |
| Properties and Taste: | Pungent, salty and warm |
| Meridian: | Urinary bladder |
| Functions: | 1. Dispel wind and dampness, opens channels and collaterals, relieves pain. Bi Zheng (painful obstruction syndrome): Acrd and warm, Wei Ling Xian (Radix Clematidis) has excellent dispersing and penetrating functions. It disperses and dispels wind and dampness from the muscles, penetrates and opens peripheral channels and collaterals, and relieves bi zheng. Clinically it is best for musculoskeletal pain, spasms and cramps of the muscles, numbness and pain in the extremities, and difficulty with extension and flexion. ~ Low back pain or leg pain: combine Wei Ling Xian with Du Huo (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis) and warm rice wine. ~ Musculoskeletal pain caused by accumulation of wind and dampness or external injuries: use this herb with Rou Gui (Cortex Cinnamoni) and Dang Gui (Radicis Angelicae Sinensis). |
| Indications and Combinations: | 1. Qi stagnation in the liver manifested as costal pain and stifling sensation in the chest. *Use with Curcuma root (Yujin), Finger citron (Foshou) and Cyperus tuber (Xiangfu). 2. Qi stagnation in the spleen and stomach manifested as epigastric and abdominal distension and pain, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite and belching. *Use with Costus root (Muxiang), Finger citron (Foshou), Bitter orange (Zhiqiao) and Tangerine peel (Chenpi). 3. Cough with profuse sputum *Use with Pinellia tuber (Banxia) and Poria (Fuling). |
| Dosage: | 5-10 g |
| Cautions: | The penetrating action of Wei Ling Xian is so strong that it should be used with caution in women who are pregnant, or in patients with generalized weakness, or who have deficiency of qi and/of blood. Topical application of Wei Ling Xian has been associated with adverse dermatological reactions such as rash, swelling, itching and pain. |