chuan mu tong

Name: chuan mu tong
Creator: Bencao Index

川木通·Caulis Clematidis Armandii

clematidis caulis

About chuan mu tong

Chuan Mu Tong (川木通) is the stem of a clematis, recorded as Caulis Clematidis Armandii. The catalogue files it among the herbs that drain Dampness.

Heart Heat passed down through the Small Intestine: sores of the mouth and tongue, irritability and dark, scanty urine

pregnancy Contraindicated in pregnancy
contraindication Spermatorrhea, Yang deficiency or Qi deficiency; the herb is cold and draining
caution Avoid heavy or prolonged use where Fluids or Yin are already depleted, as with any herb that promotes urination
caution The plant itself (Clematis armandii) contains no aristolochic acid; however, Mu Tong on the market has been adulterated with Aristolochia manshuriensis (Guan Mu Tong), which does. Aristolochic acid is a Group 1 human carcinogen that causes kidney failure and cancer of the upper urinary tract, so ask suppliers to verify the species
caution United Kingdom: a 2001 prohibition order bans selling, supplying or importing medicinal products containing Clematis armandii or labelled as Mu Tong or Fangji, so this herb is caught despite being free of aristolochic acid

Diuretic medicines: because the herb itself increases urination, it may interfere with them