The efficacy and function of Akebia root

Speaking of the root of Akebia trifoliata, many people know that it is a Chinese medicinal material. So do you know the effects and functions of the root of Akebia trifoliata? How should it be eaten? Let’s find out now.

【Other name】Clematis

[Source] Medicinal material source: The root of Akebia trifoliata, a plant of the Ranunculaceae family.

[Original form] Akebia trifoliata, a woody vine, up to 4m long, glabrous. Leaves are opposite, trifoliate; petiole 5-6cm long; leaflets are thin leathery, ovate-lanceolate, narrowly ovate or lanceolate, 3-13cm long, 1.5-5.5cm wide, acuminate or acute at apex, rounded or shallowly cordate at base, entire, glabrous on both sides, veins raised on both sides, with obvious reticulate veining. Cymes are axillary or terminal, with 1-7 flowers, often with numerous triangular persistent bud scales 5-8mm long at the axil branches; bracts are small, subulate, sometimes the lower bracts are triangular-lanceolate, with 3 lobes at the apex; flowers are bisexual, pedicels are 2.5-5cm long, sepals are 4, spreading, narrowly elliptic or lanceolate, 1-1.8cm long, white, with densely short hairs on the outer margins; petals are absent; stamens are numerous, about 1cm long, glabrous, anthers are narrowly oblong, with obvious connectives; carpels are numerous, pubescent. Achenes narrowly ovate, slightly curved, about 5 mm long, pubescent, persistent style feathery, up to 3 cm long. The flowering period is from April to June, and the fruiting period is from July to November.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in sparse woods on hillsides, streams or roadside bushes.

[Properties] Identification of properties: the rhizome is irregular cylindrical, horizontally long, with a diameter of about 2.5 cm, the surface is gray-brown to brown, the outer skin often falls off and becomes fibrous, the woody stem base is visible at the top, and there are several slender cylindrical roots on both sides and below. The outer skin of the root is dark brown, thick and curved, 10-15cm long and 2-3mm in diameter. The texture is hard, the cross section is not very flat, the wood is large and fibrous, and the pores of the vessels are obvious. It has a faint smell and a slightly bitter taste.

【Nature and flavor】 Spicy; bitter; warm

【Functions and indications】 Expel wind and dampness; activate collaterals and relieve pain; detoxify. It is used for rheumatic pain, traumatic injury, bone and throat, tooth decay, and star-shaped cataract in the eyes.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 3-15g; or grind into powder. For external use: take appropriate amount, crush the fresh product and apply it on the nose; or crush it and wrap it in cloth and plug the nose.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

I believe that through the detailed introduction of the root of the Chinese yam in this article, everyone can understand the efficacy and medicinal properties of the root of the Chinese yam. I hope this helps you all.