Hai Tong Pi海桐皮
Cortex ErythrinaeErythrinae Bark
Also known asCoral-Bean Bark
- Category
- Herbs that dispel Wind-Dampness
- Nature
- neutral
- Taste
- bitter, pungent
- Channels entered
- Liver, Spleen, Kidney
- Dosage
- 6–30 g
Actions & indications
- Dispels Wind-Dampness and unblocks the channels and collaterals
- Wind-Damp Bi, especially for soreness and pain in the lower back and knees or spasms of the extremities
- Promotes urination and reduces edema
- Superficial edema due to Dampness
- Treats itching skin lesions and kills parasites
- Topically for scabies and other skin lesions
- Treats toothache due to dental caries
- Used as a gargle
Contraindications
- Contraindicated in the absence of Wind-Dampness.
- Contraindicated for those with Blood Deficiency.
- Contraindicated for those with Accumulated Fire.
Combinations
- Niu Xi
- Qiang Huo
Long-standing joint pain caused by Wind-Cold-Dampness, particularly in the lower back and knees.
- Bei Xie
- Mu Tong
Downward-pouring Damp-Heat producing heat and pain in the knees and legs.
Used externally as a wash for pain, spasm and contracture of the muscles from trauma or Wind-Cold-Dampness (applied daily for at least a month).
Notes
- It also serves as a cholegogue, treating jaundice and hepatic Deficiency.
- As an expectorant, it is used for bronchitis.
- It also functions as a uterine stimulant and astringent, addressing amenorrhea and menorrhagia.