Milkvine, a name in traditional Chinese medicine. It refers to the whole plant of Marsdenia sinensis Hemsl., a member of the Asclepiadaceae family. It is distributed in Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Sichuan provinces and regions. It has the therapeutic effects of tonifying the kidneys and strengthening the tendons, as well as invigorating the spleen and replenishing qi. It is commonly used to treat kidney deficiency-induced low back pain, rheumatic and overwork-related injuries, spleen and stomach deficiency, and insufficient lactation.
Milkweed
Milkvine, a name in traditional Chinese medicine. It refers to the whole plant of Marsdenia sinensis Hemsl., a member of the Asclepiadaceae family. It is distributed in Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Sichuan provinces and regions. It has the therapeutic effects of tonifying the kidneys and strengthening the tendons, as well as invigorating the spleen and replenishing qi. It is commonly used to treat kidney deficiency-induced low back pain, rheumatic and overwork-related injuries, spleen and stomach deficiency, and insufficient lactation.
Chinese Name : 牛奶菜
Latin Name : Marsdenia sinensis Hemsl.
Aliases : Flat Vine
Authentic Producing Area : Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Sichuan
Nature, Flavor & Meridian Tropism : Sweet in taste, warm in nature
Benefits & Efficacy
Benefits
Tonifies the kidneys and strengthens the tendons; fortifies the spleen and boosts qi.
Indications
Used for kidney deficiency-induced low back pain, rheumatic and overwork-related injuries, spleen and stomach deficiency, and insufficient lactation.
Usage and Dosage
Take 3 to 6 qian daily, taken orally.
Precautions
Not yet established.
Applications
Related Compatibility
1. Kidney-deficiency low back pain: Take 6 qian each of Marsdenia sinensis, Dogspine, Fragrant Morinda, and Bone-mending Herb; 4 qian each of Chengjia Root and Du Huo; 3 qian each of White Atractylodes and Huai Tong; and 4 qian of Tiger Cane. Decoct in water and take orally.
2. Rheumatic and overwork-related injuries: Take 5 qian each of Milkweed, Black-striped Wind, Guang Bianxian, and Chicken Heart Seven; 3 qian each of Star Anise, Yiwei Yao Root, and Achyranthes; and 4 qian of Akebia. Decoct in water and take orally.
3. Weakness of the spleen and stomach: Take 5 qian each of Milkweed, Mian Gen Teng, Dianthus root, Stinking Peony, and Frozen Green; and 3 qian of Mulberry leaves. Decoct in water and take orally.
4. Insufficient lactation: Milkweed, wild codonopsis, and poria each 6 qian; astragalus 4 qian; Acorus tatarinowii and akebia each 3 qian. Stew with pig’s trotters and take the broth. (Formulas 1–4 are from *Medicinal Herbs of Wan County*)
Processing & Preparation
Harvesting & Processing
Harvest in summer and fall, then sun-dry for later use.
Crude Drug Identification
Botanical Information
Botanical Classification
Milkweed (a plant of the Asclepiadaceae family).
Morphological Characteristics
A robust, woody vine. The branches, undersides of leaves, petioles, inflorescence stalks, flower stalks, calyx, inner surface of the corolla, and capsules are all covered with yellow downy hairs.Stems are slightly flattened. Leaves are opposite, ovate-cordate, 8–12 cm long, 5–7.5 cm wide, with a short, gradually tapering apex and a cordate base; there are 4–6 lateral veins on each side, arching upward and forming a reticulate pattern before reaching the margin; petioles are approximately 2 cm long. Umbellate corymbs are axillary, 1–3 cm long, bearing 10–20 flowers;The calyx is 5-lobed, with more than 10 glands on the inner surface; the corolla is white or pale yellow, about 5 mm long; the corona lobes are short, reaching only halfway up the stamens; the anthers bear an ovate membranous tip; there is one pollen mass per locule, reniform and erect; the stigma is conical at the base and 2-lobed at the apex.The capsule is spindle-shaped, approximately 10 cm long and 2.5 cm in diameter; the seeds are ovate and flattened, with white, silky seed hairs at the apex, approximately 4 cm long.
Distribution Area
It is distributed in Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Sichuan, among other provinces and regions.