Bai Lian
Ampelopsis japonica (Thunb.) Makino
☯ TCM Properties
Clears Heat and resolves toxins; Disperses swelling and dissipates nodules; Promotes tissue regeneration and closes wounds; Stops pain
Botanical Description
Ampelopsis japonica (Thunb.) Makino is a perennial climbing vine in the Vitaceae, native to China, Korea, and Japan. It produces slender, somewhat woody twining stems that climb by branched tendrils opposite the leaves, arising from a thickened, fleshy, spindle-shaped tuberous root that is the medicinal part. Leaves are alternate, palmately compound or deeply pinnatifid with 3-5 ovate to lanceolate lobes 3-5 cm long, the segments coarsely toothed and glabrous. Small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers appear in summer in axillary cymes opposite the leaves, followed by globose berries about 6 mm across that ripen pale blue to white with darker speckles. The root, harvested in spring or autumn, is peeled, sliced, and sun-dried for use.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Bai Lian (ampelopsis root) is a cool herb used in Chinese medicine to clear Heat toxin, reduce inflammatory swellings, and promote healing of sores and burns. It is applied both internally and topically for carbuncles, abscesses, and infected wounds from Heat toxin, as well as for burns and scalds. As an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing herb, it addresses tissue damage from both internal Heat accumulation and external injury, and its cooling, soothing properties make it particularly valuable in burn treatment formulas.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.