Radix Seu Caulis Berchemiae Kulingensis
Aliases：Qīng Téng (Green Vine), Huà Méi Gàng (Thrush Bar), Tiě Gǔ Sǎn (Iron Bone Powder), Cháng Qīng Téng (Evergreen Ivy), Shān Huáng Qí (Mountain Astragalus), Xiǎo Yè Qīng Jīn Huá (Small-leaved Green Jinhua), Huà Méi Tiào Gàng (Thrush Jumping Bar), Tiě Bāo Jīn (Iron-Wrapped Gold), Dà Yè Tiě Bāo Jīn (Large-leaved Iron-Wrapped Gold), Nuò Mǐ Téng (Glutinous Rice Vine).
Zǐ Qīng Téng Gēn is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is the root of Berchemia kulingensis Schneid., a plant belonging to the family Rhamnaceae. This plant is a deciduous twining shrub, about 3 meters tall, with alternate, simple leaves that are ovate to broadly lanceolate in shape.
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels wind, promotes diuresis, activates blood circulation, resolves accumulation, and unblocks the meridians.
Indications
Indicated for wind-dampness arthralgia (rheumatic pain), chronic eczema, osteomyelitis, amenorrhea in women, and infantile malnutrition (Xiao Ji). It may also be used for joint pain, postpartum abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, traumatic swelling and pain, and snakebites.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti-inflammatory effects: Zǐ Qīng Téng Gēn exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity. Analgesic effects: Shows extremely significant analgesic activity. Other effects: As a plant of the genus Berchemia (family Rhamnaceae), related species contain active components such as flavonoids and glycosides, with potential antioxidant, antibacterial, and other activities.
Ingredients
Flavonoids. Glycosides. Alkaloids. Proteins and sugars.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 15–30 g; for high doses, 30–90 g may be used. For external use: apply an appropriate amount, crushed and applied topically to the affected area.
Contraindications
Contraindicated or use with caution during pregnancy—as Zǐ Qīng Téng Gēn has blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects, it may stimulate uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Use with caution in breastfeeding women—the medicinal components may pass into breast milk and affect the infant. Use with caution in infants—their organs are delicate and metabolic functions are not yet fully developed. Use with caution in those with allergic predisposition—may cause allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, or difficulty breathing. Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney insufficiency—as the herb is metabolized through the liver and kidneys, it may affect drug clearance. Contraindicated in patients with excess heat patterns—such as wind-heat colds or conditions with redness, swelling, heat, and pain.
Selected Formulas
For infantile malnutrition (gan) (Zhejiang Tianmushan Medicinal Plant Records) Take equal amounts of Zi Qingteng (Berchemia sinica) root and Baimagu (Serissa serissoides) root. Decoct in water, add red dates and rock sugar, and stew. Take orally. For rheumatic bone pain (Anhui Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 60g of Gou'ercha (Berchemia sinica), 1 pig trotter, and 1 tablespoon of sweet fermented rice wine. Boil with water until the meat is tender. Eat the meat and drink the soup. For low back pain (Zhejiang Folk Common Herbal Medicine) Take 120g of Guling Gou'ercha (Berchemia kulingensis) root, add 500ml of water, and cook with 2 eggs. Eat together.
Daily Consumption
Decoction for oral administration: Take 15–30 g of Zǐ Qīng Téng Gēn, decoct in water, and drink the strained liquid. This is the most common method. External application: Take an appropriate amount of the fresh herb, crush it, and apply it topically to the affected area for traumatic swelling and pain. Wine infusion: Zǐ Qīng Téng Gēn can be soaked in white wine to make a medicinal wine and consumed in moderation for wind-dampness arthralgia (rheumatic pain).
Medicinal Parts
Dried root. The stem vine is also used medicinally.
Selection & Storage
Store in a ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture and mold.
