Tianxianteng, also known as Dulinteng, Doulingshan, and Madoulingteng, is a plant in the Aristolochiaceae family. It is the stems and leaves of Aristolochia debilis Sieb. et Zucc. or Aristolochia contorta Bunge. according to the Compendium of Materia Medica. Before the first frost, the above-ground parts are harvested, dried, and bundled.
[Processing Method] According to the Annotated Women's Recipes: "Wash and lightly stir-fry." Currently, the original medicinal material is taken, impurities are removed, and it is soaked until translucent. Then it is cut into sections and dried.
[Appearance of Prepared Pieces] It is irregularly shaped, with a mixture of stems and leaves. The stems are long and cylindrical, slightly twisted, with a yellow-green or light yellow-brown surface. The cut surface has several uneven vascular bundles and a brittle texture. The leaves are wrinkled and easily broken, with a dark green or light yellow-brown color. It has a clear fragrance and a mild taste.
[Processing Effects] Tianxianteng has a bitter and warm nature. It enters the liver, spleen, and kidney meridians. It has the functions of promoting Qi circulation, activating blood circulation, promoting diuresis, and reducing swelling. It is mostly used for abdominal pain, hernia pain, joint pain, and pregnancy edema. Processing makes the medicinal material clean and facilitates the extraction and dissolution of its components.
