☯ TCM Properties
Clears Heart Fire and promotes urination; Invigorates the Blood , unblocks the menses, promotes lactation and eases joint movement
Traditional Chinese Uses
Safety warning: Guan Mu Tong is the stem of Aristolochia manshuriensis, which contains aristolochic acid—a potent nephrotoxin and carcinogen that causes irreversible kidney failure (acute tubular necrosis, chronic interstitial nephritis) and urothelial cancer. It has been banned in China (2004), Taiwan and many other countries, and the following describes historical use only; it must not be prescribed or consumed.
Historically it was classed with the heat-clearing, diuretic herbs: bitter and cold, entering the Heart, Small Intestine and Bladder channels, used to drain Heart Fire and promote urination in Heat patterns with irritability and painful, scanty urine, and to invigorate Blood, unblock the menses, promote lactation and ease painful, obstructed joints. It was frequently sold as the cheaper substitute for Mu Tong. The approved modern replacement is Chuan Mu Tong (Clematis armandii), which is free of aristolochic acid.
Botanical Description
Aristolochia manshuriensis is a large, deciduous woody climbing vine of the Aristolochiaceae, native to the broadleaf forests of northeastern China, the Korean Peninsula, and the Russian Far East. Mature stems may reach 10–15 m, twining over trees with grey-brown, longitudinally fissured bark and a distinctive cross-section showing pith and broad radiating rays. Alternate, long-petioled leaves are broadly cordate to nearly orbicular, 15–30 cm across, soft and pubescent beneath. The bilaterally symmetrical, pipe-shaped flowers, 5–8 cm long, are yellowish-green with purple veining and emit a fetid odour to attract carrion-flies. The cylindrical capsule splits into six valves at maturity. The medicinal organ is the woody stem. The species contains aristolochic acids and is now banned or withdrawn from medicinal use in most jurisdictions because of severe nephrotoxic and carcinogenic risk.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
⚠ Safety & Contraindications
Safety Warnings
- Aristolochic acid — nephrotoxic and carcinogenic (aristolochic-acid nephropathy, urothelial cancer). Not for internal use; illegal to dispense.
Regulatory Status
- Banned in China (removed from the Pharmacopoeia in 2004); prohibited or restricted in the US/EU. Contains aristolochic acid.
⚠ Toxicity Information
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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