☯ TCM Properties
Clears Heat, resolves toxicity, reduces abscesses and stops pain; Invigorates the Blood and disperses Stasis
Traditional Chinese Uses
Hong Teng (Caulis Sargentodoxae), also called Da Xue Teng, is the woody stem of the vine Sargentodoxa cuneata. Bitter and neutral to slightly cold, entering the Large Intestine, Liver and Stomach channels, it clears Heat, resolves toxicity, reduces abscesses and stops pain. It is the principal herb for internal (intestinal) abscess, corresponding to acute appendicitis and other suppurative abdominal conditions, typically combined with Bai Jiang Cao, Yi Yi Ren and Da Huang.
Because it also invigorates the Blood and disperses Stasis, Hong Teng treats Blood-stasis abdominal masses, dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea, as well as rheumatic joint pain, traumatic injury with bruising and swelling, and various toxic sores and boils. Its dual action of clearing toxin while moving Blood makes it useful wherever Heat, toxicity and stasis coincide. It is generally decocted; used cautiously in pregnancy given its Blood-moving nature.
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Sargentodoxa cuneata (Oliv.) Rehder & E.H.Wilson (Lardizabalaceae), the monotypic Sargent's gloryvine, is a large deciduous woody liana native to central and southern China and northern Vietnam, climbing 5-12 m through forest canopies on hill slopes between 200 and 1500 m elevation. The stem when cut reveals a striking radial pattern of red-brown wedge-shaped rays alternating with paler areas, the basis of the common name "red vine." Leaves are alternate and trifoliate, with a long-petioled ovate central leaflet up to 12 cm long and asymmetric lateral leaflets. The dioecious flowers are pendulous in axillary racemes 7-12 cm long, greenish-yellow with six tepals, blooming in spring. Fruit consists of numerous fleshy blue-black to purple berries borne on a thickened receptacle. In TCM, the stem (Caulis Sargentodoxae) clears heat, resolves toxins, dispels blood stasis, alleviates pain, and expels parasites; it is a principal herb for intestinal abscess and appendicitis.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
📝 Notes
Public notes from the community and your own private notes on Hong Teng.
No notes yet.