San Ye Mu Tong, also known as Clematidis Armandii Caulis or Three-Leaf Akebia Stem, is a bitter and slightly cold herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to promote urination, clear heat, and unblock channels and lactation. It is primarily used to treat damp-heat in the lower burner, especially in cases of painful urination, edema, or inhibited lactation. San Ye Mu Tong is one of several botanical sources collectively referred to as “Mu Tong” in TCM, and it must be carefully distinguished from potentially toxic adulterants.
Funktionen & Vorteile
Promotes Urination & Drains Damp-Heat
San Ye Mu Tong is commonly used to relieve painful urinary dysfunction, particularly when caused by damp-heat in the Bladder. It is effective in treating symptoms such as burning urination, urinary difficulty, or edema in the lower body.
Clears Heart Heat via the Small Intestine
This herb can be used when Heart Fire is transmitted to the Small Intestine, leading to irritability, insomnia, mouth sores, and dark, scanty urine. It clears internal heat through the urination pathway, calming both the mind and the body.
Unblocks Channels & Promotes Lactation
San Ye Mu Tong is used to support lactation in postpartum women with breast distension or milk stagnation caused by Qi and damp obstruction. It helps open the channels and promote the free flow of fluids.
Supports Lower Jiao Drainage
In formulas targeting lower body damp-heat, San Ye Mu Tong works well to resolve swelling, heaviness, and lingering urinary discomfort. It may also be used in cases of lower limb edema with signs of heat.
Indikationen
Painful, difficult, or burning urination due to damp-heat
Edema or water retention in the lower body
Mouth sores, irritability, or insomnia caused by Heart heat
Insufficient lactation or painful breast distension due to Qi or damp obstruction
Urinary tract infection or pelvic inflammation with damp-heat signs
Zungen- und Pulsdiagnose in der TCM
Tongue: Red with yellow greasy coating, particularly at the rear third
Pulse: Slippery and rapid, or wiry and thin when Heart heat or damp-heat is present
Common TCM Patterns Treated by San Ye Mu Tong
San Ye Mu Tong treats Damp-Heat in the Bladder, Heart Fire transferring to the Small Intestine, Qi and Damp Obstruction blocking lactation, and Lower Jiao Damp-Heat. These patterns involve symptoms such as painful urination, restlessness, breast fullness, and damp-heat-related edema.
Vorsichtsmaßnahmen & Kontraindikationen
Not suitable for pregnancy due to its descending and moving nature
Avoid in cases of frequent urination or Spleen Qi Deficiency with loose stools
Do not confuse with Guan Mu Tong (Aristolochia), which contains nephrotoxic compounds
Should be used under professional supervision to ensure correct botanical identification
Fazit
San Ye Mu Tong is a useful herb in TCM for draining damp-heat, promoting urination, and unblocking the channels to support lactation. It is particularly effective in urinary disorders, postpartum lactation issues, and conditions involving lower burner heat and fluid stagnation. With correct sourcing, it is a safe and reliable herb for clearing heat and promoting fluid circulation in the lower body.
