Akebia(木通)

Latin Plant Name:Akebiae Caulis; Akebia

Pinyin Mandarin Name:Mu Tong

Common English Name:Akebia; Akebia Stem

Part Used:Stem (caulis)

Nature:Cool

Taste:Bitter

Meridians Entered:Heart, Small Intestine, Bladder

Common Usages:

This herb is used to treat symptoms of difficult urination, insomnia, absent menstruation, sore tongue and throat, joint pains, poor circulation, and deficient lactation (TCM: internal damp heat).

Traditional Usages and Functions:

Promotes urination and drains heat from the Heart via the Small Intestine; promotes lactation and unblocks blood vessels.

Common Formulas Used In:Dianthus; Gentiana.

Cautions in Use:

Do not use during pregnancy. Use with extreme caution where there are deficient-Yin conditions since akebia strongly promotes urination.