Aristolochia debilis
Frail Birthwort
Family Aristolochiaceae
HABITAT: Found growing wild along roadsides
and edges of fields.
DESCRIPTION: Perennial
vine like herb 1.5 m in height.
Root; irregularly cylindrical, yellowish black, emits a characteristic
fragrance. Stem; lower part erect, upper partclimbing, dull purple.
Leaves; alternate, ovate-lanceolate or ovate, apexes narrow and
obtuse, bases cordate, both sides forming a drooping-ear shapes,
margins intact, with long petioles. Blooms; in summer, single axillary
flowers, purplish-green, resembling trumpets. Capsule; globose or oval.
PART USED : QING MU XIANG
Root
ENERGY: Warm. Cold. FLAVOR: Acrid and
bitter..,
pungent
FUNCTIONS
1. Counteract toxic effects, heal swelling, bring down blood pressure.
2. Dispels flatus, stimulates energy circulation, tonifies the Stomach,
relieves coughing.
INDICATIONS
1. Skin- Carbuncle, eczema.
2. Vomiting, abdominal pains.
3. Coughing, wheezing. Sore throat.
4. Poisonous snake bites..
5. Hypertension.
PREPARATIONS Decoction- Roots, stems and fruit 9-15 g
(BDM). Dried root 3-9 g (Lu).
(BDM,Lu).
PART USED: MA DOU LING TENG Aerial parts
ENERGY: Warm FLAVOR: Acrid and bitter
FUNCTIONS
1. Promote flow of energy, benefit water, heal swelling.
INDICATIONS
1. Edema during pregnancy, swelling and pain in arthritis.
PREPARATIONS: Aerial parts 4-9 g (Lu).
(Lu).
