The woodland vine is one of the medicinal plants. However, due to its toxicity, it is almost only used in homeopathy.
Occurrence and cultivation of the woodland vine
In the Middle Ages, beggars rubbed themselves with the sap of the plant, thereby disfiguring their skin. In this way, they wanted to arouse the pity of the citizens. The common clematis (Clematis vitalba) is a plant that is also known as the common clematis. In Austria it is also known as Waschl, Lün, Lüln or Liasch. The Swiss, on the other hand, call it Niele. The perennial plant belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and belongs to the Clematis genus. The clematis belongs to the climbing plants, more precisely to the lianas. It grows almost everywhere in the world. It grows mainly in Europe, America and Asia. There are more than 200 different species of the common grapevine all over the world. In some regions, where the common wood vine thrives, it is even considered a plague, because it occurs there in excess. Especially on soil containing lime, as well as in forest areas, coastal regions and shores, the plant grows abundantly. Furthermore, the common woodland vine prefers places that are half or even completely shaded. The length of the forest vine is between 10 and 15 meters. A typical feature of the thin climbing plant is its tendrils on trees and similar objects. The flowering period of the woodland vine takes place between July and September. Its flowers can be recognized by their round curved leaves. They also contain a tuft of filaments that protrude in a spherical shape. Furthermore, the flowers emit an unpleasant odor similar to the scent of hawthorns. The leaves of the common wood vine have the shape of an egg or a lancet and are white-felted on both sides. The time of seed ripening of the climbing plant takes place in autumn and winter. During this time, woolly tufts are formed from the flowers, which give the woodland vine a woolly appearance. The time of collecting the plant leaves is in the summer months. In contrast, the roots are collected in the fall.
Effect and application
A typical characteristic of the common woodland vine is its inedibility. It is also classified as poisonous and can irritate the skin. However, if the plant is dried and cooked, it loses its toxicity. However, for safety reasons, it is recommended to use the ingredients of the wild vine exclusively in the form of homeopathic remedies or for external treatment. The ingredients are caffeic acid, anemonin, protoanemonin, campesterol and trimethylamine. Protoanemonin is responsible for the toxicity of the plant. The sap of the plant causes irritation of the skin, which in turn results in the formation of blisters. In the Middle Ages, beggars rubbed themselves with the sap of the plant to disfigure their skin. In this way they wanted to arouse the pity of the citizens so that they would give them alms. At that time, the wild vine was also called devil’s twine. Medicinally used components of the wild vine are its roots, stems and leaves. The latter have a diuretic and analgesic effect. If the roots are boiled, they are also considered helpful against itching. As a medicinal plant, however, the wild grapevine is rather of secondary importance, since in its raw state it is slightly poisonous. In addition, the healing effects of the plant are not considered to be overly strong. However, the woodland vine is appreciated by the Chinese. For centuries, it has been a component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is used to treat joint pain and arthritis. It is particularly effective when the pain is aggravated by damp weather. Furthermore, it is considered helpful against abdominal pain. In order to use the common clematis medicinally, the root and stem can be boiled in hot water and applied externally as a poultice against skin rash (exanthema) and itching. Another option is to add a tea to the bath water. In this way, women’s ailments such as uterine discomfort associated with discharge can be effectively relieved. In the form of compresses, the tea is used against skin inflammations, eczema, boils and ulcers. It is also useful for rheumatic pain and severe nerve pain.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Since the common clematis is rather rarely administered in herbal medicine as well as in naturopathy, homeopathy represents the main field of application of the medicinal plant. The homeopathic remedies are called Clematis vitalba or Clematis recta. They are used to treat male disorders such as inflammation of the testicles or [[prostatitis]]. Other homeopathic uses of the wild grapevine include rheumatism, skin inflammation, swelling of the lymph glands, and common inflammation. In addition, the medicinal plant can be administered for nerve pain and skin itching. Low potencies of the remedy are usually used. The woodland vine or clematis also forms the 9th Bach flower. In the context of a Bach flower therapy, it can therefore be supportive in the case of mental dreaminess or mental absence. Because Clematis is a poisonous plant, it is recommended to always consult a doctor before using it. If the patient takes woodland vine in larger quantities, there is a risk of side effects. These are the formation of blisters and irritation on the skin when used externally, and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract when taken internally. Also possible are bloody urine, damage to the kidneys, and pain.
