Roots and rhizomesWind-damp dispellingClematidis Radix et Rhizoma

Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root)

A practical guide to Wei Ling Xian: what it is, how Traditional Chinese Medicine uses it, the classical formulas it appears in, and who should be careful with it.

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Last reviewed Oct 13, 2026

Quick Facts

Latin NameClematidis Radix et Rhizoma
Chinese Name & Pinyin 威靈仙 · Wei Ling Xian
Medicinal PartRoots and rhizomes
The herbWei Ling Xian is the dried root and rhizome of the three clematis species above. Qin Jiao and Hai Feng Teng are different official drugs.
Nature and channelsAcrid, salty, warm. Enters the Bladder. Acrid salty warmth dispels wind-damp and unblocks the channels.
Pharmacopoeia lineDispels wind-damp. Unblocks the channels. Used for wind-damp bi pain, numb limbs, sinew spasm, difficulty bending and stretching, and a fishbone stuck in the throat.
Pattern cuesWind-damp bi pain. Numb limbs. Sinew spasm. Difficulty bending and stretching.
In this articleWei Ling Xian versus Qin Jiao, Hai Feng Teng, and Qiang Huo. Cold-damp bi versus deficiency heat. Why weak qi and blood should skip it. Why choking needs a clinic. Who should skip it.

What Is Wei Ling Xian?

Wei Ling Xian (威灵仙; Wēi Líng Xiān; Latin: Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma; English: Chinese clematis root) is the dried root and rhizome of Clematis chinensis Osbeck, Clematis hexapetala, or Clematis manshurica. In Chinese medicine it is a wind-damp-dispelling herb. It is acrid, salty, and warm, enters the Bladder channel, and its core actions are to dispel wind-damp and unblock the channels. The teaching point is wind-damp bi pain, numb limbs, and sinew spasm. It is not Qin Jiao. Large gentian is bitter, acrid, and slightly cold. It dispels wind-damp, clears damp-heat, and recedes deficiency heat. It is not Hai Feng Teng. Kadsura pepper stem is acrid, bitter, and slightly warm. It leans toward wind-cold-damp bi. Wei Ling Xian is acrid, salty, and warm. It moves through the collaterals more fiercely. Garden clematis is not the official piece. Weak qi and blood, and no wind-damp, are a poor match. Tradition also lists a fishbone stuck in the throat. Choking needs a clinic first. Do not induce vomiting or force a swallow yourself.

It is used most often for three patterns:

  • Wind-damp bi pain — numb limbs
  • Sinew spasm — difficulty bending and stretching
  • Fishbone stuck in the throat — a traditional listing; choking needs a clinic first

The usual decoction dose is 6–10 g. Acrid, salty, and warm, it is not a daily “collateral clematis.” Unblocking when there is no bi consumes qi and blood.

When wind-damp blocks the collaterals, joint pain, numbness, and spasm are common. Wei Ling Xian is acrid, salty, and warm. It dispels and unblocks, which is why it appears in wind-damp bi formulas. It moves more than it holds. A sallow face and shortness of breath, or red swollen heat bi, get worse or hotter if more is added.

Wei Ling Xian is not a catch-all collateral or pain root. In weak qi and blood, with no wind-damp, or in red swollen heat bi, using it alone is a poor match. Whether it belongs in a formula should be decided by a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner after pattern diagnosis.

Wei Ling Xian Clematis Root

Wei Ling Xian: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma

Botanical Origin

The dried root and rhizome of Clematis chinensis Osbeck, Clematis hexapetala Pall., Clematis manshurica Rupr. (Ranunculaceae).

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Shanxi, Henan, Hebei, Shandong.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material has thick strip and thick cortex.

Macroscopic Features

Clematis chinensis Osbeck: rhizome is cylindrical, pale brownish-yellow; apex has remnants of stem base, relatively pliable texture, fractured surface is fibrous; lower side has numerous thin root, root is thin and long cylindrical, slightly curved, externally black-brown, with thin wrinkles, some cortex has fallen off, a yellowish-white body portion is revealed; hard and brittle texture, easily broken, fractured surface has relatively wide cortex, xylem is pale yellow, slightly square, there often is a crack between the cortex and xylem. faint odor, tasteless. Clematis hexapetala Pall.: rhizome is short cylindrical, externally brown to brownish-black, fractured surface has round xylem. Salty taste. Clematis manshurica Rupr: rhizome is cylindrical; externally brownish-black, fractured surface has sub-spherical xylem, spicy and acrid taste.

3 Native Regions and Quality Identification

Traditionally, the highest quality Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root) is said to come from provinces like Jiangsu and Anhui. However, the actual quality depends heavily on the harvest time, processing, and storage.

  • Spotting Good Quality: Look for thick, sturdy roots that are dark brown on the outside and grayish-white on the inside. They should feel firm and have a slightly bitter scent.
  • Caution with Lookalikes: It is sometimes confused with the roots of similar plants (like Mian Tuan Tie Xian Lian). These substitutes usually have shorter, softer roots and a slightly different smell, so careful identification is key.

Traditional Properties & Historical Lineage

Nature, Flavour & Channel Tropism

Acrid, Salty; WarmBladder

1. 2 Historical Records

Ancient medical texts heavily documented its powerful unblocking abilities:

  • Kai Bao Ben Cao noted its use for "various winds," unblocking the organs, clearing cold stagnation in the belly, resolving phlegm-water, and treating chronic masses, cold pain in the lower back and knees, and physical injuries.
  • Ben Cao Gang Mu highlighted its effectiveness for "painful obstruction" (Bi syndrome, often related to joint pain), stubborn numbness, and stuck bones.
  • De Pei Ben Cao added that it can dissolve stubborn phlegm and break up internal masses.

2. 3 Evolution of Understanding

Over the centuries, TCM doctors have viewed Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root) from a few different angles:

  • Joint and Muscle Focus: Many practitioners highlight its ability to dispel wind and dampness, making it a go-to for joint pain and stiffness.
  • Digestive and Phlegm Focus: Others emphasize its power to clear out watery phlegm and digestive blockages, using it for a feeling of fullness in the chest or abdominal lumps.
  • Important Warning: Because it is so strongly dispersing and warm, doctors have long warned that people with Yin deficiency (dryness) or those who lack true "cold-dampness" blockages should avoid it. Using it incorrectly can drain the body's vital energy.

Wei Ling Xian Clematis Root

Core Efficacies & Traditional Applications

Traditional Functions

Dispels wind-damp, frees channels. Apply to wind-damp impediment, limb numbness, contracture of tendons and vessels, hypertonicity of the sinews and impaired extension of the joints.

1. 1 Primary Focus: Dispersing Wind, Clearing Dampness, and Unblocking Meridians

One of the most famous traditional uses for Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root) is its ability to clear wind, cold, and dampness from the meridians, easing joint discomfort caused by poor energy and blood flow.

  • Common Symptoms: It is primarily used for joint pain, stiffness, numbness, or a heavy sensation in the limbs that gets noticeably worse in cold weather and feels better with warmth.
  • Herbal Pairings: To boost its pain-relieving effects, it is often paired with herbs like Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Root), Du Huo (Pubescent Angelica Root), and Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root). For upper body pain, it works well with Sang Zhi (Mulberry Twig); for the lower body, Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root) is a great match.
  • Caution: Do not use this herb if you have Yin deficiency (characterized by a dry mouth, hot palms/soles, and dry stool) without actual cold-damp blockages. Its warm, dispersing nature can further dry out your body's fluids.

2. 2 Secondary Focus: Softening Hardness and Dissolving Stuck Bones

A highly unique traditional application for Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root) is helping to alleviate the discomfort of tiny fish bones stuck in the throat.

  • Common Symptoms: A mild sensation of a foreign object or slight discomfort when swallowing after accidentally getting a small bone stuck, provided there is no serious injury.
  • Herbal Pairings: It can be brewed alone as a tea and slowly swallowed, or paired with Wu Mei (Mume Fruit) and vinegar to enhance its softening properties.
  • Crucial Warning: Do not self-treat if you experience severe throat swelling, bleeding, breathing difficulties, or if a doctor confirms the bone is large or deep. Always seek immediate professional medical help for serious obstructions.

3. 3 Common Herbal Pairings: Classic Combinations

Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root) and Qin Jiao (Largeleaf Gentian Root) form a very classic pair.

  • Synergy: Wei Ling Xian is warm and aggressive at unblocking cold-dampness, while Qin Jiao is slightly cold, gently clearing damp-heat and easing pain. Together, they balance each other out perfectly.
  • Best For: This pairing is excellent for rheumatic joint pain and stiffness, regardless of whether the condition leans slightly cold or hot, provided it is used under a practitioner's guidance.

Wei Ling Xian Clematis Root

Modern Research

Modern research offers useful context, but Traditional Chinese Medicine prescribes on whole-pattern diagnosis rather than isolated compounds.

1. 1 Main Chemical Compounds

Modern lab tests show that Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root) contains various compounds, including triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, coumarins, and alkaloids.

  • Lab Observations: In test-tube studies, some of these extracts have shown an impact on inflammatory markers. In animal studies, the extracts provided mild relief for joint swelling. However, there is currently not enough human clinical data to draw definitive conclusions about its medical efficacy.

2. 2 Modern Pharmacological Focus

Today's scientific research mostly focuses on its potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. There is also some preliminary exploration into how it might affect the digestive system, but these findings still need to be validated by robust human trials.

3. 3 Limitations of Modern Research

It is important to keep the science in perspective:

  • Lab vs. Human Body: Results from petri dishes and animal models cannot be directly translated to human health.
  • Extracts vs. Whole Herbs: Labs test highly concentrated, isolated chemicals, which behave very differently from a traditional cup of brewed herbal tea.
  • Synergy is Ignored: In TCM, the healing power comes from the whole herb working together. You cannot fully understand the traditional effects of Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root) just by isolating a single compound in a lab.

Wei Ling Xian Clematis Root

Comparing Similar Herbs

1. 2 Common Ground

Both herbs dispel wind, clear dampness, and unblock the meridians to relieve joint pain. They are both go-to choices for cold-dampness blocking the limbs, and both require careful dosage adjustments depending on your constitution.

2. 3 Core Differences

  • Nature and Potency: Wei Ling Xian is warm, acrid, and salty with a very strong dispersing nature. Xun Gu Feng is more neutral and balanced, without a strong hot or cold bias.
  • Focus of Action: Besides joint pain, Wei Ling Xian has the unique ability to soften stuck bones. Xun Gu Feng focuses purely on relieving rheumatic aches and heaviness, with no bone-softening effects.
  • Impact on Energy: Wei Ling Xian is a "draining" herb—it forcefully clears blockages but can be exhausting for the body if overused. Xun Gu Feng is much gentler and won't aggressively drain your vital energy.
  • Ideal Usage: Choose Wei Ling Xian for sharp pain that worsens in the cold or for numbness. Choose Xun Gu Feng for chronic, heavy joint aches without obvious cold or heat symptoms.
  • Contraindications: Because it is so warm, Wei Ling Xian is strictly forbidden for Yin deficiency (dryness). Xun Gu Feng is safer but still requires caution. Both are unsafe for pregnant women.

3. 4 Summary of Differences

In short, Wei Ling Xian is a fast-acting, warm herb meant to forcefully unblock meridians and soften stuck bones. Xun Gu Feng is a gentle, neutral herb meant for purely easing joint pain. They cannot simply replace one another.

Wei Ling Xian Clematis Root

Classical Formulas Containing Wei Ling Xian

Formulas vs. Single Herbs

  • Synergy is Key: A formula is a balanced team. The healing power comes from how the herbs interact, so a single herb cannot simply replicate a full formula's effects.
  • Holistic Balance: The exact dosage and combination in a formula affect the entire body. Never try to mix or alter these formulas at home based on internet articles.

Diet & Daily Home Use

1. 1 Home Recipes and Teas

  • Clematis and Ginger Tea
    • Ingredients: 3g raw Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root), 2 slices of fresh ginger.
    • Method: Steep in boiling water for 10 minutes.
    • Best For: Mild joint pain or stiffness caused by cold weather.
    • Note: Use as short-term relief (max 3 times a week, 1 cup per time). Do not use if you have Yin deficiency, or if you are pregnant or a child.
  • Clematis and Plum Soup
    • Ingredients: 5g raw Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root), 2 Wu Mei (Mume Fruit).
    • Method: Boil in water for 15 minutes and drink the broth.
    • Best For: A very minor stuck fish bone with slight throat discomfort.
    • Note: Use only once within 24 hours of the incident. If the bone doesn't clear, see a doctor immediately. Avoid if pregnant or if you have high stomach acid.

2. 2 Preparation Differences

Raw Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root) is best for general pain and softening bones. The wine-fried version is much warmer and stronger, making it better for severe, stubborn joint pain. When cooking at home, it doesn't require any special boiling techniques—just boil it alongside your other ingredients.

3. 3 Dosage and Usage Cycle

  • Standard Dose: Traditional clinical doses range from 6 to 10 grams. For home dietary use, cut this in half (3 to 5 grams) to stay safe.
  • Duration: Do not use this herb continuously long-term. Stick to a maximum of 1 week of use. For long-term joint care, consult a practitioner.
  • Special Populations: Seniors and children must strictly limit their dosage under professional supervision.
Wei Ling Xian Clematis Root

Contraindications & Safety Warnings

1. 1 Who Should Avoid It?

  • Yin Deficiency: If you have dry mouth, hot hands/feet, and dry stools without cold-damp symptoms, stay away.
  • Pregnant and Nursing Women: Strongly contraindicated due to its dispersing nature.
  • Children and the Elderly: Use only with strict medical guidance.
  • Organ Issues: Anyone with liver or kidney abnormalities should not self-prescribe.
  • Allergies: Avoid if you are allergic to plants in the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family.

2. 2 Drug Interactions and Dietary Notes

Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root) may interact with blood thinners, blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, and sedatives, potentially altering how they are absorbed. Always leave a 1 to 2-hour gap between taking this herb and your western medications. Do not mix it randomly with other herbal supplements without consulting a pharmacist or doctor.

3. 3 Adverse Reactions and Overdose Risks

  • Side Effects: Taking too much can irritate the digestive tract, causing nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea. Some people may also experience allergic skin rashes.
  • Action Plan: If you experience severe discomfort, an allergic reaction, breathing trouble, continuous vomiting, or if your symptoms rapidly worsen, stop using the herb immediately and seek emergency medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wei Ling Xian

What is Wei Ling Xian? Are Qin Jiao and Du Huo the same?
Official Wei Ling Xian (威灵仙) is the dried root and rhizome of Clematis chinensis, C. hexapetala or C. manshurica. The pharmacopoeial name is Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma. Qin Jiao is bitter-acrid and neutral: dispels wind-damp, clears damp-heat and stops bi pain. Du Huo is acrid-bitter and slightly warm: dispels wind, eliminates dampness, frees bi and stops pain. Write Wei Ling Xian. Use caution in qi and Blood vacuity.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Wei Ling Xian?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Wei Ling Xian is acrid, salty and warm, enters the Bladder channel, and acts to dispel wind-damp, free the channels, stop bi pain and disperse fish bones. It is used for wind-damp bi pain, numbness of the limbs, contraction of the sinews, difficulty flexing and extending, and fish bone stuck in the throat. Acrid-salty and warm, it suits wind-cold-damp bi—not qi and Blood vacuity, or pregnancy without assessment.
How do you choose raw versus wine-processed root? Can Qin Jiao replace it?
Raw root is stronger for freeing the channels. Wine processing leans to moving Blood and freeing the channels. Large gentian leans to clearing damp-heat bi; it cannot replace dispersing fish bones by equal weight. Commercial clematis tea is not equal-weight pieces.
What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as a channel tea?
The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 6–10 g. For fish bone it may reach 30 g with vinegar. It is not a four-season “clematis channel tea.” Qi vacuity only exhausts further as it moves. Bi pain needs a practitioner to name a short course; it does not replace orthopedic assessment.
What are the contraindications? Can it be used in pregnancy?
Use caution in qi and Blood vacuity and in pregnancy. Large long courses are unsuitable. Stop if fatigue, abdominal pain or diarrhea appears. Red hot swollen joints and a stuck fish bone need medical care.
Can Wei Ling Xian dispel wind-damp, free the channels, stop bi pain and disperse fish bones?
It can help wind-cold-damp bi and sinew contraction. It joins notopterygium, angelica pubescens and Chinese angelica. It dispels wind-damp, frees the channels, stops bi pain and disperses fish bones—not a specific for every joint pain or every stuck bone.
Can Wei Ling Xian be drunk daily as a channel, pain or bone tea?
Wind-cold-damp bi may enter a short formula; qi vacuity only exhausts further as it moves. “Clematis must free the channels” does not replace assessment. Dispelling wind-damp and freeing the channels should name 6–10 g.
How do you choose among Wei Ling Xian, Qin Jiao, Du Huo, Sang Zhi and Hai Feng Teng?
Clematis root is acrid-salty and warm: dispels wind-damp, frees the channels, stops bi pain and disperses fish bones—wandering bi pain throughout the body. Large gentian is bitter-acrid and neutral: dispels wind-damp, clears damp-heat and stops bi pain—damp-heat bi. Angelica pubescens is acrid-bitter and slightly warm: dispels wind, eliminates dampness, frees bi and stops pain—lower-body cold-damp. Mulberry twig is bitter-neutral: dispels wind-damp and benefits the joints—upper-limb bi pain. Kadsura stem is acrid-bitter and slightly warm: dispels wind-damp, frees the channels and stops bi pain—wind-cold-damp bi. Wandering bi pain favors Wei Ling Xian; damp-heat favors Qin Jiao; lower body favors Du Huo; upper limb favors Sang Zhi; wind-cold-damp favors Hai Feng Teng. They may be paired after pattern differentiation; qi vacuity forbids large Wei Ling Xian and Hai Feng Teng.
Which herbs is Wei Ling Xian combined with? What are the representative formulas?
Wind-cold-damp bi joins notopterygium, angelica pubescens, Chinese angelica and astragalus. Fish bone may be decocted with vinegar and sipped. Write Wei Ling Xian 6–10 g; do not replace dispersing fish bones with large gentian by equal weight.
How do you choose and store Wei Ling Xian?
Choose slender cylindrical roots, a black-brown surface, tough texture, a yellow-white cut surface, a faint odor and a bland taste. Moldy, dirty or rootless lots are discarded. Store dry. Buy pharmacopoeial Wei Ling Xian; do not replace dispelling wind-damp, freeing the channels, stopping bi pain and dispersing fish bones with large gentian or angelica pubescens by equal weight.

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Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.

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Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root): Dispel Wind-Damp and Unblock the Channels