Hai Tong Pi - Coral Bean Bark

TCM Materia Medica

Hai Tong Pi TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "hai tong pi" which in english is "coral bean bark", is categorized within the "herbs that dispel wind dampness" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the kidney, liver and spleen channels and exhibits acrid, bitter (ku) and neutral (ping) taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

  • Dosage: 6-15g

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Dispels wind-damp (hot or cold), unblocks the channels - bi syndromes, especially in the lower back and/or knees or spasms of the extremities.
  • Promotes urination, reduces edema - superficial edema due to dampness.
  • Itchy skin - lesions, scabies.

While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, hai tong pi is generally included in the following 1 formula:

ViewZuo Gu Shen Jing Tong Wan (Sciatica Pills)

Wind-cold-damp bi syndromes with particular issues in the lower back and legs - sciatic pain, heaviness in the lower body, hip and knee pain, arthritis in those areas (osteo or rheumatoid).

As noted above, hai tong pi is within the herbs that dispel wind dampness functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... for wind-dampness from the muscle, sinews, joints, and bones; bi-syndromes. wind-predominant bi (xing bi) - pain moves from joint to joint. cold-predominant bi (tong bi) - severe, fixed pain that is made worse by cold. damp-predominant b…)".

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