Wind-Damp-Dispelling, tendons-Soothing and Collaterals-Activating Herbs
Chou Wu Tong (Harlequin Glorybower Leaf and Twig)
The Processing of Folium et Ramulus Clerodendri Trichotomi
Origin
The browse and leaves of Clerodendron trichotomum Thunb. of family Verbeneceae.
Location
Jiangsu, Anhui and Zhejiang provinces, etc.
Harvest
Collected before blossom in summer.
The actual smell and taste
Off-flavor in smell and bitter, astringent in taste.
Best quality
Dry flowering wood with green leaves, off-flavor and no impurities.
Processing
Dried in sunlight, cut into segments and unprocessed,
The Effect of Folium et Ramulus Clerodendri Trichotomi
Property
Pungent, bitter, slightly cold, liver meridians entered.
Actions
Dispel wind-damp, unblock collaterals, pacify liver.
Indications
A. Arthralgia syndrome due to Wind and dampness
Being pungent and bitter with the actions of dispersing and dryness, it can dispel wind-damp and unblock collaterals. For arthralgia syndrome due to wind and dampness manifested by numbness of four extremities no matter which pathogen is predominant such as cold or heat, it can be used singly or combined with other antirheumatics, for example, Xi Xian Cao, as in Xi Tong Wan from Ji Shi Yang Sheng Jing Yan ji (Experiential Collection of Life Aid and Health Preservation). It can unblock collaterals and is commonly indicated for hemiplegia due to windstroke.
B. Rubella, eczema
Its property of pungent can disperse wind, dryness can remove dampness and cold can clear heat. For rubella, pruritus and eczema caused by wind-heat and damp-heat, it can be used singly in ways of washing or topical compressing.C.Syndrome of liver yang hyperactivityBeing cool in nature and entering liver meridian, it can cool and pacify liver. For liver yang hyperactivity, headache and dizziness, it can be used alone or combined with Xi Xian Cao, Gou Teng, Ju Hua, and Xia Ku Cao. It is commonly used in treating hypertension at present.
Dosage and Administrations
Decoct 5~15 g; or pound into powder, 3 g for each time. Proper dosage is for topical administration. It should be decocted for a short time when treating hypertension.
Notes for Folium et Ramulus Clerodendri Trichotomi
Naming
Chou Wu Tong (Folium et Ramulus Clerodendri Trichotomi)——Ben Cao Tu Jing (Illustrated Manual of Materia Medica)
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
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