Witnessed by: TCM
Smilax (Smilax glabra), of the Smilacaceae family. Woody climbing vine with prickly stems and tendrils; native range: hillsides and thickets of southern China. Globally recognized as tu fu ling (土茯苓) in Chinese, and smilax, glabrous greenbrier, China root in English. The part used is rhizome. Hard reddish-brown knotty rhizome, cut into pinkish starchy slices, sweet and bland with a mealy texture.
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.
SMILAX
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- smilax
- Scientific name
- Smilax glabra Roxb.
- Family
- Smilacaceae
Form
- Part used
- rhizome
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet · bland
Temperature
- TCM
- neutral
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Liver · Stomach
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- resolves toxicity, drains dampness and unblocks the joints
Cautions
- Contraindications
- caution in liver and kidney yin deficiency; classically said to conflict with tea
- Toxicity
- no significant toxicity at usual dose
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