The efficacy and function of cotton vine

Modern medical research believes that cotton vine contains many nutrients that are beneficial to the human body. As a traditional Chinese medicine, its efficacy and function have been widely recognized. Let's take a look at its specific situation.

【Other names】 Akebia, Akebia, Kawamoto

[Source] Medicinal material source: The vine stem of Ranunculaceae.

[Original morphology] Blunt-toothed female wilting, vine, stem length 3-4m. New branches covered with short soft hairs. Trifoliate leaves; petiole 5-10cm long, pubescent; central leaflet broadly ovate, 5-10cm long, 4.5-8.5cm wide, often inconspicuously 3-lobed, apex acuminate, base mostly truncated or nearly cordate, margin with a few blunt teeth, surface sparsely appressed pubescent, dorsal surface densely white pubescent. The panicle has many flowers, axillary, shorter than leaves, and the peduncles are all covered with short soft hairs; there are 4 sepals, white, spreading, obovate, 7-9mm long, covered with short soft hairs on both sides; there are many stamens, the filaments are 5 times longer than the anthers, and are glabrous; there are many carpels, covered with hairs. Achenes are fusiform or narrowly ovate, black after drying, with persistent style about 2 cm long and covered with white feathery hairs. The flowering period is from July to September, and the fruiting period is from September to October.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Growing in hillside thickets at 400-2300m or on the edge of sunny slope ditches.

[Properties] Identification of properties: the stem is slender and cylindrical, slightly twisted, with a diameter of 1-4mm; the surface is yellow-green or green-brown, with longitudinal ridges and nodes, and is brittle and easy to break. The leaves are opposite, trifoliate, and have long petioles; the leaflets are yellow-green or gray-green, densely covered with soft hairs, and have sparse serrations on the edges. It has a faint smell and a slightly bitter taste.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; Cool; Slightly toxic

【Meridian】 Liver; Bladder

【Functions and indications】 Helps digestion and stops diarrhea; promotes diuresis and reduces swelling; promotes menstruation and lactation. Abdominal distension caused by stagnation of staple food; diarrhea and dysentery; stranguria caused by damp-heat; edema; amenorrhea and milk blockage in women

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 6-15g.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The medicinal value of cotton vine introduced in the article is of great help to our lives. In fact, many physical illnesses can be treated with some Chinese medicinal materials such as cotton vine. The profound Chinese medicine culture should continue to be passed on.