Clematis

Scientific Name (S): Clematis virginiana L. Family: Ranunculaceae

Common Name(S): Clematis, devil's-darning-needle, old-man's beard, traveler's-joy, vine bower, virgin's bower, woodbine

Botany: Clematis is a genus of mostly climbing perennial shrubs in the buttercup family and has over 200 species worldwide, mainly in North America and Asia. Several species are cultivated in North America for their beautiful flowers. The common species include: Wood­bine (C. virginiana), virgin's bower (C. cirrhosa), old­man's beard (C. vitalba) and vine bower (C. viticella).

C. virginiana is a trailing vine which can grow up to 50 feet higher than other botanicals, often resulting in a bower or shaded shelter. The long, feathery, beard-like tail on the fruit led to the synonym, old-man's beard. This species is a North American native plant which was once in the continental pharmacopeia as a medicine.

Its habitat is in thickets, roadsides, woods and stream banks. It may be found from Manitoba to Quebec, as far south as Alabama and Louisiana, and west all the way to Kansas. The vine has leaves which are divided into three oval and toothed leaflets, each of which are on a long stalk. These stalks are like tendrils which aid in its climbing habit. From July to September, it displays creamy white flowers which bloom into large clusters; these become fruit heads with long plume-like tails.

Other related species in the genus include: C. dioica from tropical America, C. recta ( C. erecta) of Southern Europe, C. vitalba of Eurasian and North African origin, C. chinensis (Wei Ling Xian) of Chinese origin and C. thunbergii from Senegal.

History: The popular use of C. virginiana in pioneer medicine was probably learned from the Native Americans. It was a common remedy for skin disorders (sores, cuts), itching and venereal eruptions. Throughout history, the leaf of the plant was used in folk remedies for treating cancers and tumors, as well as for itching, fever, renosis, nephrosis, ulcers and scrofula. Past uses also report diuretic, poisonous, rubefacient, sudorific, purgative and vesicant properties. Clematis has long been cultivated as a woody climbing or trailing vine for growing over a fence or wherever dense foliage is desired. Others have mentioned using the fuzzy seed mass for smoking and utilizing the young shoots of a Eurasian variety (C. taurica) in cooking.

Uses of Clematis

Primarily used for skin disorders. In animals, it has caused CNS stimulant, androgenic, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, hypotensive and hepatic effects.

Side Effects of Clematis

Topicat. Can cause skin irritation. Orat. Notify physician if painful or bloody urine occurs. Profuse salivation, blistering, inflamed eyes, abdominal cramping, vomiting of blood, weakness, bloody diarrhea, and painful, excessive or bloody urine.

Toxicology: A recent poisonous plant reference focused on those buttercup species which contained protoanemonin in the fresh leaves and sap (including Clematis). When the plants were handled or eaten, protoanemonin irritated and blistered the skin. Intense inflammation and burning around the mouth and digestive tract followed oral ingestion. Other side effects associated with oral intake included: Profuse salivation, blistering, inflamed eyes, abdominal cramping, vomiting of blood, weakness and bloody diarrhea Kidneys may also be irritated, resulting in painful and excessive urination and bloody urine, ultimately leading to diminished urinary output. Poisoning symptoms also include: Dizziness, confusion, possible fainting and convulsions.

Summary: While there is considerable older literature on the use of Clematis for a wide variety of skin and other disorders, the human and animal toxicological experiences preclude recommending it for any of these purposes. Recent Asian studies hint at the presence of numerous active principles possessing CNS activity, antiinflammatory effects, cardiovascular and hypotensive properties; however, none of these have been developed to the point where they have proven clinical value. Currently, the Chinese are clinically evaluating Clematis chinensis as one of their traditional medicines.

There are countless reasons why you'd want to investigate preventative and alternative therapy.  For starters, many people have limited access to or no health insurance policy at all.  Be aware that herbs and health supplements can be very potent. Please consult the wisdom of qualified care providers before mixing and matching herbs.