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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.




AKEBIA
aka Five-leaf Akebia, Chocolate Vine
(Akebia trifoliata)
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CONTAINS: High in potassium salts.

Attractive woody climber native to Japan, China and Korea. The young branches are purplish in color. The stems (MU TONG] are available from Chinese pharmacies in thin slices with a characteristic center full of holes.

PROPAGATION: By seed in spring or fall; by semi-ripe cuttings in summer; by layering in winter. Does not like to be transplanted.
NEEDS: Well-drained soil and full sun.
HARVEST: Stems cut in autumn and dried for use in decoctions and powders.

MEDICINAL USES:
Bitter, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, strong diuretic .
The fruit stalk is purgative.
Stimulates the circulatory and urinary systems.
Stimulates female organs; used for amenorrhea and to improve poor lactation.
In Chinese medicine a stew of MU TONG and pork knuckles is used to encourage lactation.
Also used in Chinese medicine as a purgative and for inflammations of the skin, fever, to increase menstrual flow and induce sweating.
Roots are used to treat fever.
Used internally for urinary tract infections, rheumatoid arthritis.




©2000 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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