1. Description:
Smilax China (also known as China root, Chinese Pinyin: Ba Qia, Simplified Chinese: 菝葜, 门冬, 颠勒, 颠棘, 天棘, 万岁藤), is a species of perennial climbing plant in genus Smilax (Smilacaceae family). Found on in forests, thickets, hillsides, grassy slopes, and shaded places along valleys or streams (from between 0 to 2,000 meters in elevation) in Asia, the plant can grow up to 5 meter long. The root of Smilax China is used as dampness-dispelling drug, carminative, detoxicant and stasis-eliminating drug in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as diabetes.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
The root of Smilax China is considered to have bitter, neutral and nontoxic properties and to be associated with the liver and kidney meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Smilax China & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Relieving Joint Numbness
Medicated wine with Smilax China root is taken orally to relieve joint numbness or tingling.
3.2 Diabetes
A decoction of Smilax China root and fructus mume can be used in treating diabetes.
3.3 The Excretory System
Powdered Smilax China root is taken with rice paste to treat urolithiasis.
The Ben Cao Medical Book (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica or Ben Cao Gang Mu; Chinese: 本草纲目) is the most famous and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compiled and written by Li Shi-zhen (1518~1593), a medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over 27 years.
The Ben Cao Medical Book records and describes all the plants, animals, minerals, and other objects that were believed to have medicinal properties in TCM. The book reflects the pharmaceutical achievements and developments of East Asia before the 16th century. On the basis of his predecessors’ achievements in the pharmacological studies, Li contributed further by supplementing and rectifying many past mistakes and misconception in relate to nature of many medicinal substances and causes of various illnesses. Charles Darwin, originator of the biological theory of evolution, regards the book as the “ancient Chinese encyclopedia”.
Disclaimer: The Ben Cao Medical Book is translated by ChinaAbout.net . The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of CTM knowledge and information from the research and experience from the author Li Shi-zhen. Kindly be alert that the CTM knowledge and ancient formulas given above are likely NOT medically proven and may contain misconceptions.