Wiseman’s Chinese Medical Database

hǎi tóng pí / 海桐皮 / 海桐皮 / erythrina [bark]

Latin pharmacognostic name: Erythrinae Cortex

Alternate English names:

Alternate Chinese names: 钉桐皮 dīng tóng pí; 丁皮 dīng pí; 刺桐皮 cì tóng pí; 刺通 cì tōng; 接骨药 jiē gǔ yào; 鼓桐皮 gǔ tóng pí

Origin: Plant

Use: medicinal

Category: Wind-damp–dispelling agents / Wind-damp-heat–dispelling agents

Properties: Bitter, acrid; balanced.

Channel entry: liver channel.

Indications:

• Dispels wind-damp, frees the network vessels, and relieves pain: Wind-damp impediment pain; hypertonicity of the limbs; aching lumbus and knees.
• Kills worms and relieves itching: Scab and lichen; itchy eczema.
• Additional uses: Hǎi tóng pí treats water swelling. It can also be decocted to make a gargle to treat toothache due to tooth decay.

Dosage & Method:

Oral: 5–15g in decoctions; also used externally.

Warning:

Unsuitable for patients suffering from blood vacuity according to some sources.

Quality:

Large pieces of barks with many spines are best.

Product Area:

Húnán, Sìchuān.