Roots and rhizomesWind-damp dispellingClematidis Radix et Rhizoma

Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root)

威靈仙 · Wei Ling Xian

Wind-damp dispelling herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional functions: Dispels wind-damp, frees channels.

In-Depth Guide

Want to learn more about Wei Ling Xian?

Quick Facts

Latin Name	Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma
Chinese Name & Pinyin	威靈仙 · Wei Ling Xian
Medicinal Part	Roots and rhizomes
Efficacy Category	Wind-damp dispelling
Botanical Origin	The dried root and rhizome of Clematis chinensis Osbeck, Clematis hexapetala Pall., Clematis manshurica Rupr. (Ranunculaceae).
Nature & Flavour	Acrid, Salty; Warm
Channels Entered	Bladder

What Is Wei Ling Xian?

Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

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

Nature & Flavour: Acrid, Salty; Warm
Channels Entered: Bladder

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.

Traditional TCM Properties

Acrid, Salty; WarmBladder

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.

How Wei Ling Xian Is Used in TCM

In the Chinese materia medica, Wei Ling Xian is classified among the Wind-damp dispelling herbs. It appears in 2 classical formulas in our library.

Formulas containing Wei Ling Xian are traditionally used for:

Joint Discomfort Low Back Pain Muscular Stiffness Numbness in Limbs Neck Pain Shoulder Discomfort

Classical Formulas Containing Wei Ling Xian

Tong Feng Wan

痛風丸

Formula CategoryWind-Damp Dispelling FormulasPrimary PatternDamp-HeatPrimary FunctionClear heat, drain damp, dispel wind, stop bi painRelated ConditionsJoint Discomfort·Low Back Pain

View Formula Profile Read Complete Guide

Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang

疏經活血湯

Formula CategoryBlood-Invigorating FormulasPrimary PatternBlood StasisPrimary FunctionDredge the channels, invigorate blood, stop painRelated ConditionsJoint Discomfort·Low Back Pain·Muscular Stiffness·Numbness in Limbs

View Formula Profile Read Complete Guide

Herbs Commonly Combined with Wei Ling Xian

Cang Zhu Huang Bai Fang Ji Bi Xie Niu Xi Dang Gui Chi Shao Yi Yi Ren Gan Cao Bai Shao Sheng Di Huang Chen Pi

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Read the complete guide →

Related Products

Hoi Tin Tong Feng Wan (Gout Formula) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $29.10

Learn More About Wei Ling Xian

Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Wei Ling Xian.

Read the Wei Ling Xian Guide →

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.