Kadsura Pepper Vine (Hai Feng Teng)

海風藤
Futokadsura stem (Haifengteng)

Pharmaceutical Name: Caulis Piperis futokadsurae

Botanical Name: 1. Piper futokadsura Sieb. et Zucc.. 2. Piper hancei Maxim.

Common Name: Kasura stem, Futokadsura stem

Source of Earliest Record: Bencao Zaixin

Part Used: The stems are gathered in summer or autumn, dried in the sun and cut into slices.

Natural Properties & Taste: Pungent, bitter and slightly warm

Meridians: Liver

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To dispel wind and dampness.

2. To clear the channels and collaterals.

Indications & Combinations: Wind-damp obstruction syndrome manifested as painful and stiff joints, tendon and muscle spasms, lower back pain, painful knees and pain from external injury. Futokadsura stem (Haifengteng) is used with other herbs that dispel wind and invigorate the circulation of blood in channels and collaterals, such as Erythrina bark (Haitongpi), Large-leaf gentian root (Qinjiao) and Mulberry twigs (Sangzhi).

Dosage: 5-10 g