Witnessed by: TCM
Clematis (Clematis chinensis), of the Ranunculaceae family. Climbing woody vine of scrub and forest edge; native range: thickets and hillsides across China. Globally recognized as wei ling xian (威靈仙) in Chinese, and Chinese clematis, powerful spirit immortal in English. The part used is root and rhizome. Slender dark wiry roots, acrid and warming with a slightly salty note.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
CLEMATIS
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- clematis
- Scientific name
- Clematis chinensis Osbeck
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
Form
- Part used
- root and rhizome
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- pungent · salty
Temperature
- TCM
- warm
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Bladder
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- expels wind-dampness, unblocks the channels and collaterals, relieves pain, softens and dissolves lodged fish bones
Cautions
- Contraindications
- contraindicated in qi and blood deficiency and used cautiously in the chronically weak, as its dispersing nature can injure the qi
- Toxicity
- large or prolonged doses may irritate the stomach and consume the qi
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