Chou Wu Tong
StarClerodendrum trichotomum
Synonyms: Clerodendrum trichotomum var. ferrugineum, Clerodendrum fargesii, Siphonanthus trichotomus, Siphonanthus trichotomus var. ferrugineus, Siphonanthus yakusimensis, Clerodendrum trichotomum var. yakusimense, Clerodendrum trichotomum f. ferrugineum, Clerodendrum trichotomum var. tomentosum, Clerodendrum koshunense, Clerodendrum serotinum, Siphonanthus trichotomus var. esculentus, Siphonanthus trichotomus var. fargesii, Clerodendrum trichotomum var. villosum, Clerodendrum trichotomum f. albicarpum, Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii, Clerodendrum yakusimense, Ovieda trichotoma, Clerodendrum trichotomum var. esculentum
☯ TCM Properties
Dispels Wind-Dampness; Calms Liver Yang and lowers Blood pressure
Traditional Chinese Uses
Ren Shen (ginseng root) preparations from this variant are used in Chinese medicine for profound Qi, Yang, and Blood deficiency patterns. The root has long served as one of the most prestigious tonic herbs in TCM, supplementing the primal Qi of the five Zang organs and restoring the body's fundamental vitality after illness, surgery, or extreme depletion. Its inclusion in this category reflects its role in formulas addressing the root cause of constitutional weakness.
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Clerodendrum trichotomum is a large deciduous shrub or small tree reaching 3-6 m tall, with a spreading habit. Leaves are broadly ovate, 8-20 cm long, opposite, with an unpleasant odor when crushed (giving rise to the Chinese name meaning "stinking parasol tree"). Fragrant, white tubular flowers are borne in lax terminal cymes in late summer. Each flower has a prominent, inflated, reddish-pink calyx that persists and enlarges in fruit. The fleshy, bright blue-turquoise berries (4-8 mm) are nestled within the star-shaped red calyx, creating a striking ornamental display.
Hillsides, thickets, forest margins, and roadsides; native to China, Japan, and Korea, widely cultivated as an ornamental shrub in temperate regions worldwide.
Clerodendrum trichotomum is common throughout its native range in East Asia and is widely cultivated as an ornamental. It has naturalized in some areas of North America. No conservation concerns.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 5-15 g | daily | — | adult | Add later when treating hypertension to preserve antihypertensive effect. |
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.
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