Fenjdu, a traditional Chinese medicine. It is distributed in Taiwan, Guangxi, Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan, Yunnan and other parts of mainland China. It mainly grows in shrubs or forest edges and has not been artificially cultivated. It is known for its heat-clearing and detoxifying properties, diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects, and its use for gout and urinary difficulties.
Picture of Fenjdu
【Other Names of Fenjdu】
Tianji Cao (Lingnan Caiyao Lu), Leichouzui, Benji Cao, Feitian Leigong (Nanning Pharmacopoeia), Libi Teng, Tieban Gaoyao Cao (Fujian).
【Origin of Fenjdu】
The whole plant or rhizome and roots of the plant Aristolochia debilis.
【Morphology of Fenjdu】
Perennial climbing herb. Weak stem with vertical lines, no hair.
Leaves are paper-like or membranous, triangular-ovate, 3-9 cm long, 2-6 cm wide, with very blunt or slightly concave tips, rounded or truncated bases, green on the upper side, pale green or light green on the lower side, with about 10 main veins radiating from the leaf stalk, slightly raised on the back of the leaf; leaf stalk shield-shaped, 3-5 cm long.
Picture of Fenjdu
The flowers are small and unisexual, with pseudo-umbel inflorescences; the male flowers are on unbranched umbel inflorescences, growing on short and curved twigs;
The inflorescence stalk is 1.5-3 cm long; 5-8 small umbel inflorescences, covered with powdery soft hairs; male flowers have 8 calyx lobes, covered with small soft hairs, 4 light green petals, inverted-ovate, stamens filaments fused into a columnar head, the top of which also fuses into a disc shape and splits horizontally, with a white fine ring on the edge; female flowers have 3-6 calyx lobes, similar to male flowers.
The fruit is red, flattened and horseshoe-shaped when dry, about 6 mm long and 4-5 mm wide. Flowering period is from June to August.
【Habitat and Distribution of Fenjdu】
Ecological environment: Fenjdu grows in shrubs.
Distribution: Fenjdu is distributed in Fujian, Taiwan, Guangdong, Guangxi and southeastern Yunnan.
【Collection of Fenjdu】
Fenjdu can be collected throughout the year. Generally, the vine leaves are harvested in autumn or the whole plant is dug up, washed to remove dirt and sand, and the fine roots are removed. It can be dried or used fresh.
Picture of Fenjdu
【Effects and Uses of Fenjdu】
Fenjdu has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting urination and relieving swelling, and healing wounds. It is used to treat fever-induced madness, jaundice, gastroenteritis, dysentery, constipation, hematuria, and abscesses and swelling.
①"Lingnan Caiyao Lu": "Promotes tissue regeneration and stops bleeding. Used to treat dysentery, jaundice, madness. For lactation mastitis, apply crushed sugar to the affected area."
②"Luchuan Materia Medica": "Clears heat and detoxifies, promotes bowel movements. Used to treat gastroenteritis, constipation, and snake bites."
③"Nanning Pharmacopoeia": "Clears heat and promotes diuresis, treats inflammatory diarrhea and hematuria; externally used for malignant ulcers, resolves swelling and detoxifies."
【Dosage and Administration of Fenjdu】
Oral administration: Decoction, 1-3 qian (0.5-1 liang for fresh). External use: apply after pounding.
【Selected Prescription Applications of Fenjdu】
Selected prescription for treating prolapse of the anus: 5 qian of Fenjdu, 5 qian of Maling eggs, 1 section of pig large intestine. Boil together and take orally. (Luchuan Materia Medica)
