Herbs Guide

Akebia

Family Name: Lardizabalaceae

Botanical Name(s): Akebia quinata

Popular Name(s): Akebia, Chocolate Vine, Mu Tong, Clematis Stem

Parts Used: Stem

Habitat: Akebia is native to a region which extends from Central China to Korea and Japan. It is found in the United States and England also.

Description: Akebia possesses a slender, rounded stem that is green in colour in the earlier stages of its life but turns to brown in later stages. The plant has palmate alternate leaves along the stem and the leaves are divided, generally into 5 leaflets. Its flowers are chocolate-purple in colour. Fruits are purple-violet and are 2 1/4 to 4 inches in length.

Uses: Akebia is used as an antibiotic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic and galactagogue substance. Its stem, when taken internally, cures bacterial and fungal infections and treats urinary tract infections. It induces menstruation and lactation too. Its root is used as an antipyretic.