Speaking of Mutong, I believe those who regularly drink traditional Chinese medicine are very familiar with it. It not only has the effect of promoting lactation and diuresis, but also can treat joint pain, swelling caused by dampness and heat, and other diseases. However, it is worth noting that Mutong is highly toxic, so extra caution must be taken when using it!
【Efficacy and Function of Mutong】
1. Clearing heat and promoting diuresis
Mutong is extremely bitter and cold. It enters the heart and bladder meridians. It can clear heat from the heart and promote diuresis to relieve heat, allowing damp-heat to descend. It is used for urinary dribbling and pain, excessive heart fire descending to the small intestine causing mouth ulcers, restlessness, and red urine. It is commonly used for edema caused by damp-heat.
2. Regulating menstruation and promoting lactation
Mutong, as described in "Compendium of Materia Medica," is used to "induce childbirth and promote delivery" and "treat irregular menstruation in women." It can also promote lactation and regulate menstrual cycles.
3. Activating blood circulation and relieving pain
Mutong is bitter and cold, and it enters the blood division. It has the function of promoting the circulation of blood and relieving pain in the nine orifices, blood vessels, and joints. It can be used to treat hot bi syndrome, which is caused by evil heat blocking the meridians and joints, resulting in joint pain, local burning sensation, redness, swelling, and accompanying fever, aversion to wind, restlessness, and discomfort.
【Usage of Mutong】
1. Treating failure of lactation
Mutong can be used to treat failure of lactation after childbirth. It can be prepared by grinding one or two pieces of Mutong, one or two pieces of Zhongru, two pieces of Loubu with the head removed, one or two pieces of Gualou root, and one or two pieces of Gancao into a size similar to a mung bean. Take three qian (about 9 grams) of the medicine with one and a half cups of water and a handful of millet, simmer until the millet is cooked, remove the residue, and take it warm at any time.
2. Treating urinary retention and unbearable abdominal pain
Mutong can be used to treat urinary retention and unbearable abdominal pain. Mix 30 grams of Huaishi, 30 grams of Mutong, and 15 grams of Heiqianniu together, grind them into powder. Take 3 grams of the powder each time, add 25 milliliters of water, 10 wicks of an oil lamp, and 1 stalk of green onion. Simmer until 3 minutes before meals, and take it warm.
3. Treating cough due to lung qi stagnation
Mutong can be used to treat cough due to lung qi stagnation, facial swelling, red and painful urination. Mix 30 grams of Beimu, 30 grams of Hanfangji, 6 grams of Mutong, 60 grams of sweet thistle, and 60 grams of fried almonds. Grind them into powder, and make pills the size of wutong seeds with jujube flesh. Take 20 pills each time. Simmer them in Sangbaipi soup and take it at any time.
【Side Effects of Mutong】
Mutong itself has a certain level of toxicity, mainly composed of Mutong ketone, Mutong saponin, and magnolol. If Mutong is taken in large doses, it can cause vascular lesions in the internal organs, ultimately leading to renal glomerular necrosis due to impaired blood supply to the kidneys. In addition, it can also cause direct necrosis of living cells.
Mutong contains a relatively large amount of potassium ions. It is very difficult for patients with uremia to excrete potassium ions from the body. If a large amount of potassium accumulates in the body, it can lead to hyperkalemia, which can seriously endanger life.
The toxin in Mutong can also cause vascular lesions in the internal organs, leading to edema and bleeding in the organs. If not treated in a timely manner, it can cause harm to life.
If the body experiences poisoning symptoms after taking Mutong, the specific symptoms include facial swelling, high blood pressure, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, confusion, and hematuria. In the end, it may lead to renal failure and death.
