Contents
Uses
- Edible use: Young shoots – cooked and used like hop shoots (Humulus lupus)
- Material use: The stems are used in basketry
- Medicinal uses:
- Anxiety, concentration, itches. The leaves are analgesic and diuretic. The roots of the plant can be boiled and used to treat certain itches. It can be employed as a homeopathic remedy to soothe skin eruptions and it is also applied to the skin to treat blisters and infected wounds.
- Lessen arthritic and joint pain
- Soothe abdominal distention and abdominal pain
Benefits
- Anxiety: The Bach Centre claims that this plant can be effectively incorporated as treatment for patients who lack emotional balance and have a hard time coping with anxiety and depression. It is also used for patients who have difficulties in distinguishing reality from fantasy. Thus, Clematis vitalba is recommended for symptoms like excessive daydreaming, lack of concentration and memory, living in an imaginary world etc. Patients who took this flower remedy showed signs of improved focusing, realistic thinking and a more energetic behaviour.
- Concentration: Clematis vitalba remedy is also given to children who have problems with their concentration. Such absent-minded children can benefit a lot from this treatment because it increases their attention span and makes them remain focused for a longer period of time.
- Chinese medicine: Clematis vitalba is a central herb in Chinese medicine and the parts that are most used in treating certain affected areas or illnesses are the roots and the rhizomes.
- Pain: This herb is usually employed to lessen arthritic and joint pain, especially those nagging pains that become even more severe when the weather is cold or damp. Another role of Clematis Vitalba is to soothe abdominal distention and abdominal pain.
Cautions
- If it is ingested in large amounts, it can trigger internal bleeding of the digestive tract.The plant contains a substance called protanemonin, which can provoke irritations and blisters to the skin. Kidneys may also be affected and you may experience painful symptoms and see blood in urine. It should not be used without the approval of a qualified health care professional who is well aware of your medical records.
Other Names
Traveller’s Joy, Evergreen clematis
References
Source: Plants for a Future, http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Clematis+vitalba