☯ TCM Properties
Dispels Wind-Dampness, unblocks the channels and collaterals and stops pain
Traditional Chinese Uses
Xun Gu Feng is the stem and root of Aristolochia mollissima (Aristolochiaceae). Historically it was classed among herbs that dispel Wind-Dampness, unblock the channels and collaterals, and stop pain, and was used for chronic Wind-Damp painful obstruction—rheumatic and arthritic joint pain, stiffness, and sinew-and-bone ache—usually decocted or steeped in wine. It must not be used. Like other Aristolochia species it contains aristolochic acids, which are potent nephrotoxins and human carcinogens causing irreversible aristolochic-acid nephropathy and urothelial cancer, and it is banned or withdrawn in China, the United States, Europe, and elsewhere. Dangerous substitution for look-alike herbs such as Bai Mao Teng (Solanum lyratum) has caused poisonings. This entry is provided for historical and identification purposes only; safer choices for Wind-Damp bi include Qin Jiao, Wei Ling Xian, and Sang Ji Sheng.
Botanical Description
Xun Gu Feng is the dried stem and root of Aristolochia mollissima Hance or A. debilis Sieb. & Zucc. (Aristolochiaceae), perennial twining herbs native to central and southern China bearing cordate leaves and curious S-shaped tubular brown-purple flowers typical of the birthwort family. WARNING: All Aristolochia species contain aristolochic acids, which are potent nephrotoxins and proven human carcinogens implicated in aristolochic acid nephropathy and upper urinary tract cancers; the herb is banned or restricted in the United States, the European Union, Australia, Canada, and many other jurisdictions, and modern Chinese pharmacopoeia editions since 2005 have removed Aristolochia drugs from clinical use. Historically in traditional Chinese medicine Xun Gu Feng was bitter and neutral, dispelling wind-damp and unblocking channels for rheumatic joint pain, but contemporary practice strongly discourages its use.
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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