Herb: Chou Wu Tong


Latin name: Clerodendrum trichotomum


Family: Verbenaceae (Verbena Family)



Medicinal use of Chou Wu Tong:

The leaves are mildly analgesic, antipruritic, hypotensive and sedative. They are used externally in the treatment of dermatitis and internally for the treatment of hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, numbness and paralysis. When used in a clinical trial of 171 people, the blood pressure of 81% of the people dropped significantly - this effect was reversed when the treatment was stopped. The plant is normally used in conjunction with Bidens bipinnata. When used with the herb Siegesbeckia pubescens it is anti-inflammatory. The roots and leaves are antirheumatic and hypotensive. A decoction is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension. The pounded seed is used to kill lice.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Tree

Height:
6 m
(20 feet)

Flowering:
August to
October

Scent:
Scented
Tree

Habitat of the herb:

Thickets on mountain slopes, throughout most of China except Nei Mongol, below elevations of 2400 metres.

Edible parts of Chou Wu Tong:

Young sprouts and leaves - cooked.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - best sown as soon as possible in a greenhouse. Germination can be erratic but usually takes place within 20 - 60 days at 20°C. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Root cuttings, 6 - 8cm long, December in a greenhouse. High percentage. Division of suckers in the dormant season. Very easy, they can be planted out direct into their permanent positions if required.

Cultivation of Chou Wu Tong:

Thickets on mountain slopes, throughout most of China except Nei Mongol, below elevations of 2400 metres.

Known hazards of Clerodendrum trichotomum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.