Cynanchum atratum, Bai Wei 白微 Blackened Swallow-wortBai Wei (TCM) Botanical name: Cynanchum atratum, C. versicolorLocal varieties used include C. inamoenum, C. paniculatum, C. amplexicaule Parts used: Root Temperature & Taste: Cold, neutral in respect of dryness/moisture. Bitter, Salty Classification: B. Clears Deficient Heat Uses: 1. Clears Heat, Cools the Blood:-low-grade Fever; Chronic Fever, Yin-deficient Fever, Night-sweats-persistent Summer Fever in Children-lingering Fever after a febrile disease; recovery after Febrile disease-Postpartum Fever-Scrofula2. Clears Heat, Promotes Urine:-painful, dribbling Urine-Blood in the Urine-especially for Urinary disorders following Childbirth3. Clears Heat and Toxin:-Toxic Sores (topically and internally)-Swollen, painful, sore Throat-Lung Heat Cough-Snake Bite (topically and internally) Dose: 3–12 grams (some sources state a maximum of 6 grams should be used to avoid damaging the Stomach) Comment: Medicines regarded as Bitter and Cold are usually drying. However, Cynanchum isn’t regarded as dry and doesn’t damage Yin, Blood or Essence. It is therefore suitable for cases with deficiency and chronic Fever where Yin is already compromised. Preparation: 1. In cases with Stomach weakness, it can be dry-fried to reduce its coldness.2. Stir-fried with Honey until dark yellow. This makes it more moistening, better for the Lungs, for coughing Blood and for Night-sweats. Substitute: Tylophora ovata is considered…

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