Radix Clematidis
Source
The root and rhizome of Clematis chujensis Osbeck and the other species
of the same genus, family Ranunculaceae.
Characteristics
Rhizome
irregularly terete, with numerous slender fibrous roots at the lower part,
15 cm long. Root 0.1-0.3 cm in diameter, surface finely and longitudinally
striated, cork grey-black. Easily broken. Section showing broad cortex
and fine xylem, yellow-white, somewhat square. Acrid and salty in taste,
warm in nature, and attributive to the twelve channels.
Indication
1. Expel wind and dampness, dredge the channel and alleviate pain: For
arthralgia of wind-dampness type, especially those with numbness and muscular
spasm; also for traumatic pain and toothache.
2. Disperse lumps and relieve swelling: For acute mastitis, mumps, sore-throat,
conjunctivitis, keratitis, hordeolum, etc. In addition, also used for
fishbone stuck in the throat, and for acute infectious hepatitis (used
together with Radjy Glycyrrhizae).
Pharmacological
Action
1.
Inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella dysentenae.
2. Protoanemonin antagonizes histamine-induced bronchospasm and ileospasm
of guinea-pigs in vitro.
Administration
Decoction:
15-30g; for mastitis and mumps, applied both orally and topically; for
sorethroat, the whole plant is used; for fishbone stuck in the throat,
60-90g decocted with vinegar.
Extemal use: For eye diseases, crushed fresh herb or powder wrapped with
cloth is put into the nostril opposite to the affected eye until irritating
sensation is experienced, or applied on acupoint Neiguan opposite to the
affected eye for 40 minutes.