Herb Stem (茎 jīng)

Hai Feng Teng

Kadsura pepper stem · 海风藤

Piper kadsura (Choisy) Ohwi · Caulis Piperis Kadsurae

Also known as: Feng Teng (风藤), Man Keng Xiang (满坑香), Lao Teng (老藤),

Hai Feng Teng is a vine stem from the pepper family, traditionally used to relieve joint pain, muscle stiffness, and limited movement caused by cold and damp conditions. It is especially valued for its ability to open blocked channels and ease pain in the limbs and lower back. It is a common ingredient in formulas for arthritis and rheumatic complaints.

Category Wind-Damp dispelling herbs (祛风湿药) Wind-Cold-Damp dispelling herbs (祛风寒湿药)
Therapeutic focus Bone and Joint Health Pain Management Mobility and Flexibility Joint and Muscle Health

TCM Properties

Temperature

Slightly Warm

Taste

Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn), Bitter (苦 kǔ)

Channels entered

Liver

Parts used

Stem (茎 jīng)

Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

What This Herb Does

Every herb has a specific set of actions — here's what Hai Feng Teng does in the body, explained in both everyday and TCM terms

Therapeutic focus

In practical terms, Hai Feng Teng is primarily used to support these areas of health:

Bone and Joint Health Pain Management Mobility and Flexibility Joint and Muscle Health

TCM Actions

In TCM terminology, these are the specific therapeutic actions that Hai Feng Teng performs to restore balance in the body:

Dispels Wind-Dampness Unblocks the Channels and Collaterals Relieves Painful Obstruction Moves Qi Alleviates Pain

How these actions work

'Dispels Wind-Dampness' means Hai Feng Teng helps drive out Wind and Dampness that have invaded the body's muscles, joints, and channels. In TCM, when Wind and Dampness lodge in the body, they cause joint pain, heaviness, and stiffness that often worsens in cold or rainy weather. The herb's pungent taste scatters Wind, while its bitter taste dries Dampness, and its warm nature counters Cold. This makes it a core herb for Bi syndrome (painful obstruction syndrome) of the Wind-Cold-Damp type.

'Unblocks the channels and collaterals' reflects this herb's special ability, shared by many vine and tendril herbs, to reach into the body's network of smaller connecting vessels. Vines in nature twist, climb, and extend along surfaces, and by the classical principle of 'like treats like,' vine herbs are considered excellent at penetrating deep into the collateral network. This action is particularly useful for conditions with numbness, limited range of motion, or pain that has become chronic and lodged in the deeper channels.

'Stops Bi-pain' describes its direct analgesic effect on the painful obstruction that occurs when pathogenic factors block the flow of Qi and Blood through the joints and muscles. It is commonly used for pain and stiffness in the limbs, knees, and lower back.

'Regulates Qi' is a secondary action noted in classical texts such as the Ben Cao Zai Xin. This means it can smooth the flow of Qi in the middle and lower areas of the body, which is why some sources also mention its use for abdominal cold pain and even hernial disorders.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony. Hai Feng Teng is used to help correct these specific patterns.

Why Hai Feng Teng addresses this pattern

Wind-Cold-Damp Bi syndrome occurs when Wind, Cold, and Dampness invade the joints, muscles, and channels, obstructing the flow of Qi and Blood and causing pain, stiffness, and heaviness. Hai Feng Teng directly addresses this pattern through its pungent taste (which scatters Wind), bitter taste (which dries Dampness), and slightly warm nature (which dispels Cold). Its entry into the Liver channel, which governs the sinews, makes it especially suited for joint and tendon complaints. As a vine-type herb, it excels at penetrating the collateral network to dislodge deeply lodged pathogens.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Moving Pain

Joint pain worsened by cold and damp weather

Muscle Stiffness

Muscle stiffness and cramping

Numbness in Extremities

Numbness or heaviness in the limbs

Limited Range of Motion

Difficulty bending and straightening joints

Commonly Used For

These are conditions where Hai Feng Teng is frequently used — but only when they arise from the specific patterns it addresses, not in all cases

Arises from: Wind-Cold-Damp

TCM Interpretation

TCM understands rheumatoid arthritis primarily as Bi syndrome, where external pathogenic factors (Wind, Cold, and Dampness) invade the joints and channels, blocking the normal circulation of Qi and Blood. When these pathogens persist, they cause chronic pain, swelling, stiffness, and eventually deformity. The Liver governs the sinews and the Kidneys govern the bones, so prolonged Bi syndrome often involves Liver and Kidney deficiency as an underlying root, with Wind-Cold-Damp obstruction as the branch (presenting symptoms).

Why Hai Feng Teng Helps

Hai Feng Teng's pungent and bitter tastes, combined with its slightly warm nature, make it well suited for the Wind-Cold-Damp type of joint pain common in rheumatoid arthritis. Its pungent quality disperses Wind, its bitter quality dries Dampness, and its warmth counters Cold. Most importantly, as a vine-type herb entering the Liver channel, it has a special affinity for the collateral network of the joints and sinews. Modern research has shown that Hai Feng Teng extracts can antagonise platelet-activating factor (PAF) and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its effects on joint inflammation.

Also commonly used for

Sciatica

Lower back and leg pain along the channels

Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic joint pain and inflammation

Trauma

Sprains, contusions, and soft tissue injuries

Cervical Spondylosis

Neck stiffness and pain

Peripheral Neuropathy

Numbness and pain in the extremities

Bronchial Asthma

Used in wine preparations for chronic asthma

Herb Properties

Every herb has an inherent temperature, taste, and affinity for specific channels — these properties determine how it interacts with the body

Temperature

Slightly Warm

Taste

Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn), Bitter (苦 kǔ)

Channels Entered

Liver

Parts Used

Stem (茎 jīng)

Dosage & Preparation

These are general dosage guidelines for Hai Feng Teng — always follow your practitioner's recommendation, as dosages vary based on the formula and your individual condition

Standard dosage

6-15g

Maximum dosage

Up to 15g in standard decoction. Some sources list 6-12g as the standard range. No well-documented use at significantly higher doses.

Dosage notes

The standard decoction dose is 6 to 15g. For Wind-Cold-Damp Painful Obstruction (Bi syndrome) with joint pain and stiffness, 9 to 15g is typical, often combined with Qiang Huo, Du Huo, and Dang Gui. For external application in plasters and liniments, an appropriate amount is used. The herb can also be steeped in wine (medicinal liquor) for treating joint pain and traumatic injuries. When used in wine preparations, classical sources note that the wine should not be heated, as warming reportedly destroys the herb's efficacy.

Preparation

No special decoction handling required. Hai Feng Teng is simply decocted normally with other herbs. The processed form (sliced and dried) is standard for decoction use.

Processing Methods

In TCM, the same herb can be prepared in different ways to change its effects — here's how processing alters what Hai Feng Teng does

Processing method

The raw dried stem is soaked in water for 30-60 minutes, removed and allowed to moisten through (16-24 hours), then cut into thick slices and sun-dried.

How it changes properties

This is the standard preparation rather than a true processing transformation. The slicing simply makes the herb suitable for decoction. The thermal nature, taste, and actions remain unchanged from the raw herb. No significant property changes occur.

When to use this form

This is the default form used in all clinical decoctions. The thick slices allow adequate extraction of the active constituents during boiling.

Common Herb Pairs

These ingredients are traditionally combined with Hai Feng Teng for enhanced therapeutic effect

Gui Zhi
Gui Zhi 1:1 (Hai Feng Teng 10g : Gui Zhi 10g)

Hai Feng Teng dispels Wind-Dampness and opens the collaterals, while Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) warms the channels and promotes the movement of Qi and Blood through the vessels. Together, they powerfully warm and unblock the channels to relieve Wind-Cold-Damp joint pain.

When to use: Wind-Cold-Damp Bi syndrome with joint pain, stiffness, and poor circulation to the limbs, especially when pain is aggravated by cold.

Ji Xue Teng
Ji Xue Teng 1:1 to 1:2 (Hai Feng Teng 10g : Ji Xue Teng 15-20g)

Hai Feng Teng dispels Wind-Dampness and opens the collaterals, while Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus Stem) nourishes and invigorates Blood and relaxes the sinews. Together, they simultaneously remove the pathogenic obstruction and replenish the Blood needed to nourish the channels, enhancing pain relief for chronic Bi syndrome.

When to use: Chronic Wind-Damp Bi with Blood deficiency, presenting as joint and limb pain with numbness, tingling, or pallid complexion.

Wei Ling Xian
Wei Ling Xian 1:1 (Hai Feng Teng 10g : Wei Ling Xian 10g)

Both herbs are key Wind-Damp-dispelling medicines that unblock the channels. Hai Feng Teng excels at relieving muscle cramping and tendon stiffness, while Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root) is highly penetrating and mobile, reaching everywhere to address numbness. Together, their combined channel-opening and pain-stopping effects are significantly enhanced.

When to use: Wind-Damp Bi with both pain/stiffness and numbness/tingling in the limbs and joints.

Luo Shi Teng
Luo Shi Teng 1:1 (Hai Feng Teng 10g : Luo Shi Teng 10g)

Both are vine-type herbs that penetrate the collateral network. Hai Feng Teng is slightly warm and better suited for Cold-Damp Bi, while Luo Shi Teng (Star Jasmine Stem) is slightly cool with Blood-cooling properties. Combined, they balance warm and cool to treat Bi syndrome regardless of whether Heat signs are present, and their joint collateral-opening action is stronger than either alone.

When to use: Wind-Damp Bi with mixed Heat and Cold signs, or chronic Bi where Wind-Damp is beginning to transform into Heat, causing both stiffness and joint redness/swelling.

Ha
Hai Feng Teng 1:1 (Hai Feng Teng 10g : Qing Feng Teng 10g)

Both share the same pungent, bitter, and slightly warm properties and both dispel Wind-Cold-Damp. However, Hai Feng Teng emphasizes drying Dampness (stronger bitter taste), while Qing Feng Teng emphasizes dispersing Wind (stronger pungent taste) and also promotes urination. Together, they address both Wind and Dampness comprehensively, greatly strengthening anti-rheumatic action.

When to use: Wind-Cold-Damp Bi with both prominent joint pain from Wind and heaviness/swelling from Dampness.

Comparable Ingredients

These ingredients have overlapping uses — here's how to tell them apart

Ha
Hai Feng Teng vs Hai Feng Teng

Both are vine-type herbs classified as Wind-Cold-Damp-dispelling medicines with similar pungent, bitter, and slightly warm properties. The key difference is that Hai Feng Teng has a stronger bitter taste and is better at drying Dampness and relieving muscle cramping and tendon stiffness, while Qing Feng Teng (from the Sinomenium plant, a completely different family) has a stronger pungent quality, better disperses Wind, and additionally promotes urination to drain Dampness downward. Qing Feng Teng also contains sinomenine, which has well-documented anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects useful in autoimmune joint conditions.

Luo Shi Teng
Hai Feng Teng vs Luo Shi Teng

Both are vine herbs that excel at opening the collateral network. The critical difference is thermal nature: Hai Feng Teng is slightly warm and best suited for Cold-Damp Bi, whereas Luo Shi Teng is slightly cool and enters the Heart, Liver, and Kidney channels, making it more appropriate for Wind-Damp Bi with Heat signs (joint redness, swelling, warmth). Luo Shi Teng also has Blood-cooling and swelling-reducing actions that Hai Feng Teng lacks.

Qian Nian Jian
Hai Feng Teng vs Qian Nian Jian

Both dispel Wind-Dampness and treat Bi syndrome. Qian Nian Jian (Homalomena Rhizome) is warmer and also strengthens the sinews and bones by tonifying the Liver and Kidneys, making it better for elderly patients with underlying deficiency. Hai Feng Teng is more focused on opening the collateral network and is preferred when the main problem is channel obstruction with stiffness and cramping rather than constitutional weakness.

Common Substitutes & Adulterants

Related species and common adulterations to be aware of when sourcing Hai Feng Teng

Hai Feng Teng has a well-documented problem of confusion and adulteration: 1. Shan Ju (山蒟, Piper hancei): In Zhejiang, Fujian, and Hunan, the stems of this related Piper species are sometimes used as a substitute for Hai Feng Teng. While in the same family, it has different chemical constituents. 2. Hua Song Luo (花松萝, Usnea diffracta): A lichen from the Usneaceae family that is sometimes fraudulently sold as Hai Feng Teng. It appears as tangled greyish-green threads, is tougher and harder to break, lacks the characteristic fragrant aroma, and tastes slightly sour then bitter rather than acrid. It belongs to a completely different plant family and lacks Hai Feng Teng's medicinal properties. 3. Guang Dong Hai Feng Teng (广东海风藤): The stem of Kadsura heteroclita (Magnoliaceae family), used regionally in Guangdong as a local substitute. Despite sharing a similar name and general function (dispelling Wind-Damp), it is a completely different plant with distinct chemistry. Its bark is thicker and has a camphor-like aroma rather than the peppery scent of true Hai Feng Teng. 4. Qing Feng Teng (青风藤): Sometimes confused due to the similar name, but it is from the Menispermaceae family (Sinomenium acutum) with completely different active components (sinomenine alkaloid) and indications.

Educational content — always consult a qualified healthcare provider or TCM practitioner before using any herb.

Toxicity Classification

Classical Chinese pharmacopoeia toxicity rating for Hai Feng Teng

Non-toxic

Hai Feng Teng is classified as non-toxic in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. No significant toxic components have been identified at standard therapeutic doses. However, pharmacological research has shown that the herb can significantly reduce embryo implantation rates in mice, which is the basis for its caution during pregnancy. The herb contains piperine, neolignans (kadsurenone, futoquinol, futoxide), volatile oils, and phytosterols, none of which are considered toxic at normal doses. No cases of poisoning from standard use have been reported.

Contraindications

Situations where Hai Feng Teng should not be used or requires extra caution

Caution

Yin deficiency with Fire (阴虚火旺): Hai Feng Teng is warm, acrid, and drying in nature. In people with an underlying pattern of Yin deficiency producing internal Heat, this herb may worsen symptoms such as dry mouth, night sweats, and hot flashes.

Caution

Pregnancy: Hai Feng Teng has Blood-moving and channel-opening properties. Pharmacological studies have shown it can significantly reduce embryo implantation rates in mice, suggesting a risk of disturbing pregnancy.

Caution

Heart disease (when used in wine-soaked preparations): Classical formulas using Hai Feng Teng steeped in alcohol specifically note that patients with heart conditions should not take the wine preparation.

Caution

Known allergy to Piperaceae family plants: Individuals with sensitivity to plants in the pepper family should avoid this herb.

Special Populations

Important considerations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use

Pregnancy

Use with caution during pregnancy. Hai Feng Teng has channel-opening and Blood-moving properties that could theoretically disturb fetal stability. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that the herb can significantly reduce embryo implantation rates in mice, suggesting a potential mechanism for disrupting early pregnancy. Classical formulas containing Hai Feng Teng in alcohol preparations specifically list pregnancy as a contraindication. Although the Ben Cao Zai Xin paradoxically mentions it can 'calm the fetus' (安胎), the predominant clinical consensus is to exercise caution, especially in early pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

There is limited specific safety data on Hai Feng Teng during breastfeeding. As a mildly warm, acrid herb used primarily for musculoskeletal conditions, it is not among herbs traditionally flagged for breastfeeding concerns. However, given the lack of specific studies on transfer of its active neolignan compounds through breast milk, caution is advised. Consult a qualified practitioner before use during lactation.

Children

No specific pediatric dosage guidelines are established in classical or modern references. For children, dosage should be reduced proportionally based on age and body weight, typically to one-third to one-half the adult dose. Use under practitioner supervision. As with all Wind-Damp dispelling herbs, avoid prolonged use in children, and monitor for any signs of excessive drying or warming effects.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, be aware of these potential interactions with Hai Feng Teng

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications: Hai Feng Teng contains neolignan compounds (kadsurenone, futoquinol, galgravin) with demonstrated PAF (platelet-activating factor) antagonist activity and anti-platelet aggregation effects. Concurrent use with anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin) or antiplatelet drugs (aspirin, clopidogrel) may theoretically increase bleeding risk. Close monitoring is advisable if co-administration is necessary.

Anti-implantation effect: Pharmacological studies have shown the herb can reduce embryo implantation rates. While not a drug interaction per se, this property may be relevant for patients undergoing fertility treatments or taking reproductive hormones.

No other well-documented pharmaceutical drug interactions have been established. The above interactions are theorized based on known pharmacological properties rather than clinical case reports.

Dietary Advice

Foods and dietary considerations when taking Hai Feng Teng

When taking Hai Feng Teng for Wind-Cold-Damp conditions, avoid cold and raw foods that may worsen Dampness and Cold in the joints. Warm, easily digestible foods are preferable. Since the herb is acrid and warming, those with any tendency toward Yin deficiency or internal Heat should avoid spicy, greasy, or heating foods that may compound the drying nature of the herb.

Botanical Description

Physical characteristics and morphology of the Hai Feng Teng source plant

Piper kadsura (Choisy) Ohwi is an evergreen woody climbing vine belonging to the Piperaceae (pepper) family. The whole plant has a distinctive spicy aroma. The stems are greyish, slightly flattened, with longitudinal ridges and prominent swollen nodes from which adventitious roots emerge, allowing it to cling to trees and rocks. The branches typically fork in pairs.

The leaves are alternate, narrowly ovate to ovate, 5 to 12 cm long and 2.8 to 7 cm wide, nearly leathery in texture, dark green above and paler beneath with scattered short soft hairs and white glandular dots. Leaf veins number 5 to 7, arising from the base. The plant is dioecious (male and female flowers on separate plants), bearing drooping spike-like inflorescences 2 to 8 cm long, opposite the leaves. The berries are nearly spherical, brownish-yellow when ripe, 3 to 4 mm in diameter. Flowering occurs from May to August, with fruits ripening from August to September.

It grows naturally in low-elevation forests in warm, humid tropical and subtropical regions of East Asia, climbing on trees or rocks along coastlines and in deep mountain forests.

Sourcing & Harvesting

Where Hai Feng Teng is sourced, when it's harvested or collected, and how to assess quality

Harvesting season

Summer to autumn (August to October), when the vine stems are cut, roots and leaves removed, and the stems sun-dried.

Primary growing regions

The primary production regions are in southeastern China: Fujian, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Taiwan provinces. Fujian and Zhejiang are considered the main sources for high-quality medicinal material. Additional commercial supplies come from Guangxi, Hubei, and Sichuan. The plant grows wild in low-elevation coastal and mountain forests in warm, humid subtropical areas.

Quality indicators

Good quality Hai Feng Teng stems are flattened-cylindrical, 15 to 60 cm long and 0.3 to 2 cm in diameter. The surface should be greyish-brown to brown, rough, with clearly visible longitudinal ridges and prominent swollen nodes. The herb body should be light in weight, brittle, and easy to snap. On the cross-section, the bark is narrow and the wood is broad and greyish-yellow with numerous visible vessel pores; the medullary rays are greyish-white in a radial pattern; there is often a gap between the bark and wood; and the central pith is greyish-brown. The aroma should be distinctly fragrant (a peppery, spicy scent characteristic of the Piperaceae family), and the taste should be slightly bitter and acrid. Avoid pieces that lack fragrance, are overly woody, or show signs of mold.

Classical Texts

Key passages from the classical Chinese medical texts that describe Hai Feng Teng and its therapeutic uses

Ben Cao Zai Xin (《本草再新》)

Original: 「行经络，和血脉，宽中理气，下湿除风，理腰脚气，治疝，安胎。」

Translation: "It opens the channels and collaterals, harmonizes the Blood vessels, broadens the middle and regulates Qi, drives out Dampness and dispels Wind, treats lower back and leg Qi disorders, treats hernia, and calms the fetus."

Zhejiang Zhong Yao Shou Ce (《浙江中药手册》)

Original: 「宣痹，化湿，通络舒筋。治腿膝痿痹，关节疼痛。」

Translation: "It opens up Painful Obstruction, transforms Dampness, frees the channels and relaxes the sinews. It treats weakness and Painful Obstruction of the legs and knees, and joint pain."

Historical Context

The history and evolution of Hai Feng Teng's use in Chinese medicine over the centuries

Hai Feng Teng (海风藤), literally meaning "Sea Wind Vine," gets its name from its natural habitat along coastlines where it is constantly battered by ocean winds. A folk legend from the Song dynasty tells of a young man from the southern coast who used this vine to cure the severe leg pain of a wealthy benefactor named Zhu, after which the herb's name became widely known. The herb first appeared in formal materia medica literature in the Qing dynasty text Ben Cao Zai Xin (《本草再新》), where its channel-opening and Qi-regulating properties were documented.

In modern times, Hai Feng Teng gained significant international scientific attention in the 1980s when researchers isolated kadsurenone from it, a compound identified as one of the first natural platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonists. This discovery, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 1985, validated its traditional anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic uses and spurred extensive phytochemical investigation. Among the Hakka (Kejia) people of southern China, Hai Feng Teng has long been used as a culinary ingredient in soups, reflecting its status as both food and medicine.

Modern Research

4 published studies investigating the pharmacological effects or clinical outcomes of Hai Feng Teng

1

Characterization of a PAF receptor antagonist (kadsurenone) isolated from Piper futokadsura (Landmark preclinical study, 1985)

Shen TY, Hwang SB, Chang MN, et al. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, 1985, 82(3): 672-676.

This landmark study identified kadsurenone from Hai Feng Teng as the first natural PAF (platelet-activating factor) receptor antagonist. Kadsurenone competitively and specifically blocked PAF binding to its receptor, inhibiting PAF-induced platelet aggregation, neutrophil activation, and vascular permeability increases in multiple animal models. It was active when taken orally, providing a scientific basis for the herb's traditional anti-inflammatory uses.

PubMed
2

Anti-inflammatory neolignans from Piper kadsura (Phytochemical study, 2006)

Chen YC, Liao CH, Chen IS. Journal of Natural Products, 2007, 70(5): 795-801.

Researchers isolated two new neolignans (piperkadsin A and B) along with 11 known neolignans from the stems of Piper kadsura. Several compounds showed potent inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in human white blood cells, with IC50 values as low as 4.3 micromolar, supporting the herb's traditional use for inflammatory conditions.

PubMed
3

PAF antagonistic benzofuran neolignans from Piper kadsura (Phytochemical study, 1993)

Han GQ, Dai P, Xu L, et al. Yao Xue Xue Bao (Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica), 1993, 28(3): 178-182.

Five benzofuran neolignans were isolated from Piper kadsura, including two with novel structures. One compound, (-)-denudatin B, showed potent PAF antagonistic activity in receptor binding assays, expanding the known roster of anti-inflammatory compounds from this herb.

PubMed
4

Piper kadsura (Choisy) Ohwi: A comprehensive review of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and quality control (Review, 2025)

Pan H, Wang C, Qin Y, et al. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2025, 351: 120134.

This comprehensive review summarized decades of research on Piper kadsura, confirming that its extracts and isolated compounds possess anti-PAF, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and neuroprotective activities. The review noted significant efficacy in preventing and treating rheumatic diseases and highlighted gaps in pharmacokinetic research and quality control standardization.

Research on individual TCM herbs is growing but still limited by Western clinical trial standards. These studies provide emerging evidence and should be considered alongside practitioner expertise.