State/School

California License Exam, Pacific College Comps

Alias

Chuan Mu Tong

Pharm Name

Akebiae Caulis

Common Name

Akebiae Caulis

Category

Drain Dampness

Ingredients

Taste

Bitter

Pao Zhi

Temperature

Slightly Cold

Action / Indication

1. Promotes urination and unblocks painful urinary dribbling: for painful urinary dribbling from damp-heat in the Bladder with dribbling, rough, and painful urination. Also used for edema and ascites. 
2. Promotes urination and drains heat from the Heart via the Small Intestine: for such symptoms as irritability accompanied by sores of the mouth or tongue, and scanty urine. 
3. Promotes lactation and unblocks the blood vessels: for insufficient lactation; less commonly for amenorrhea, and for pain and stiffness of the joints. 

Treatment Principles

Promotes Urination
Drains Heart Heat Through the Small Intestine
Facilitates Lactation
Unblocks Blood Stasis

Contraindication

Use caution during pregnancy.

Dosages

3-6g

Meridians

UB, SI, HT

Tom's Comment

1. Mu Tong (Guan) is the one that contains Aristolochic Acid and is now removed from many formulas. The FDA states that constituents within are nephrotoxic (toxic to the Kidneys). However, not in the discussion is the relevant dose of Mu Tong that would exert the nephrotoxic effect. TCM has used Mu Tong safely within its context for many centuries.
2. The form of Mu Tong from Sichuan, known as Chuan Mu Tong, is non-nephrotoxic and is the version widely available in the United States.

Source

Formula Type