Chinese herbal medicine Wuxiangteng, also known as snake venom medicine, detoxification powder, iron bone powder, small red robe, and rock green leaf. Wuxiangteng is mainly used to treat flu, snake bites, rabies bites, rheumatism numbness, injuries from falls, irregular menstruation, and abscesses and swelling.
Image of Wuxiangteng
【Morphology of Wuxiangteng】
Wuxiangteng is an evergreen climbing shrub. The main root is thick and cylindrical. The leaves are alternate, subleathery, ovoid-lanceolate to elongated elliptic, 5-15 cm long, gradually pointed at the apex, blunt and rounded at the base, with sparse fine serrations or nearly entire margins. The flowers are unisexual, axillary, 1-2 per axil, with narrow triangular bracts, approximately 1 mm in length and width; the sepals are 3-5 outer ones, small, triangular to nearly kidney-shaped, with marginal hairs, and the inner 5 are purple-red, elliptic to ovate; the stamens are nearly spherical. The berries turn bright red when ripe. Flowering occurs in summer.
【Efficacy and Functions】
Wuxiangteng has the effects of clearing heat and detoxification, promoting blood circulation and relieving swelling and pain. It is mainly used to treat flu, snake bites, rabies bites, rheumatism numbness, injuries from falls, irregular menstruation, and abscesses and swelling.
1. "Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicine": Root: clears heat and detoxifies, reduces swelling and relieves pain. It can prevent meningitis, flu, and treat snake bites, unknown swellings, external bleeding, and fractures.
2. "Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicine Selection": Root and stem: promote blood circulation and relieve swelling and pain; leaves: stop bleeding and disperse stasis.
【Relevant Combinations with Wuxiangteng】
1. For treating snake bites, rabies bites, and abscesses: Apply a suitable amount of Wuxiangteng leaves externally after grinding them into a paste. ("Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicine Selection")
2. For treating rheumatism numbness, injuries from falls, stomach pain, irregular menstruation, and vasculitis: Take four to six qian (about 12-18 grams) of Wuxiangteng root and stem, decoct and take orally, or soak in alcohol as part of a prescription. ("Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicine Selection")
3. For treating external bleeding: Grind the Wuxiangteng root bark or leaves into powder and apply it to the wound. ("Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicine Selection")
