Witnessed by: TCM
Cynanchum (Cynanchum atratum), of the Apocynaceae family. Erect perennial herb with milky sap; native range: grassy hillsides and thickets across China. Globally recognized as bai wei (白薇) in Chinese. The part used is root and rhizome. A dense cluster of fine wiry roots, brittle and pale, faintly bitter and salty.
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.
CYNANCHUM
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- cynanchum
- Scientific name
- Cynanchum atratum Bunge
- Family
- Apocynaceae
Form
- Part used
- root and rhizome
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter · salty
Temperature
- TCM
- cold
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Stomach · Liver · Kidney
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- clears heat, cools the blood, relieves deficiency-heat fevers, promotes urination, resolves toxicity
Cautions
- Contraindications
- caution in Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold with loose stools
- Toxicity
- none of note
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