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Latin pharmacognostic name: Aristolochiae Herba

Alternate English names: birthwort stem

Kingdom: Plant

Origin in PRC Pharmacopoeia: Aristolochia contorta Bge.; Aristolochia debilis Sieb. et Zucc. (PRC Pharmacopoeia)

Origin (other sources): Aristolochia debilis Sieb. et Zucc.*; Aristolochia contorta Bge.*

Use: Medicinal

Category: Qì-rectifying agents

Properties: Bitter; warm.

Channel entry: Liver and spleen channels.*

Indications:

• Rectifies qì and relieves pain: Liver-stomach qì pain; mounting qì (shàn qì, hernia); postpartum abdominal pain.
• Quickens the blood and free the network vessels: Wind-damp impediment (fēng shī bì) pain; concretions, conglomerations, accumulations, and gatherings.
• Disperses swelling and resolves toxin: Pregnancy water swelling; snake and insect bites.

  Dosage & Method: Oral: Decoct (3–9g) or use in powders. Topical: Decoct as a wash or apply crushed.

  Warnings: Do not exceed prescribed dose or use for extended periods. Contraindicated for patients with lowered kidney function as biomedically defined.

  Quality: Slender green stems with leaves are the best.

  Product Area: Zhèjiāng, Jiāngsū, Húběi, Héběi, Shǎnxī (Shaanxi), Jiāngxī, and Hénán.

  See also: Mǎ dōu líng (马兜铃 Aristolochiae Fructus, aristolochia fruit)

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