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Mu Tong (木通), the stem of Akebia, promotes urination and drains damp-heat, drains Heart fire (which it directs out through the Small Intestine and urine), and promotes lactation and frees painful obstruction of the channels.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Akebia / Clematis armandii (Caulis)
Common English Name
Akebia stem
Taste
Bitter
Temperature
Cold
Channels Entered
Heart, Small Intestine, Bladder
Actions & Functions
- Promotes urination and drains damp-heat
- Drains Heart fire (mouth ulcers, irritability with dark urine)
- Promotes lactation and unblocks the channels
Indications
Hot, painful urination; Heart fire transmitting to the Small Intestine with mouth ulcers and dark urine; insufficient lactation; and painful obstruction.
Dosage
3-6 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Sheng Di and Gan Cao (Dao Chi San) for Heart fire and painful urination.
Cautions & Contraindications
Use only the safe Chuan Mu Tong (Clematis); Guan Mu Tong (Aristolochia) is nephrotoxic and must NOT be used. Avoid in pregnancy and fluid deficiency.
