Stems and woodsWind-damp dispellingPiperis Kadsurae Caulis

Hai Feng Teng (Kadsura Pepper Stem)

Q: What is Hai Feng Teng? Are Qing Feng Teng and Luo Shi Teng the same?

Official Hai Feng Teng (海风藤) is the dried stem of Piper kadsura . The pharmacopoeial name is Piperis Kadsurae Caulis . It is also called wind vine. Qing Feng Teng is the stem of Sinomenium: bitter-acrid and neutral, dispels wind-damp, frees the channels and promotes urination. Luo Shi Teng is bitter and slightly cold: dispels wind, frees the collaterals, cools Blood and reduces swelling. Write Hai Feng Teng. Use caution in yin vacuity with Blood heat.

Q: What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Hai Feng Teng?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Hai Feng Teng is acrid, bitter and slightly warm , enters the Liver channel, and acts to dispel wind-damp, free the channels and stop impediment pain . It is used for wind-cold-damp impediment, pain of the limbs and joints, sinew spasm, and difficulty flexing and extending. Acrid-bitter and slightly warm, it suits wind-cold-damp impediment—not yin vacuity with Blood heat, or damp-heat impediment.

Q: What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as a channel tea?

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 6–12 g . It is not a four-season “kadsura channel tea.” Yin vacuity with Blood heat only dries further as it warms. Limb and joint pain needs a practitioner to name a short course; it does not replace joint assessment.

Q: How do you choose and store Hai Feng Teng?

Choose flattened cylindrical stems, slightly swollen nodes, gray-brown, a narrow bark on the cut face, gray-yellow wood, gray-white radiating lines, an aromatic odor and a slightly bitter-acrid taste . Moldy, scentless or dirty lots are discarded. Store ventilated and dry. Buy pharmacopoeial Hai Feng Teng; do not replace dispelling wind-damp, freeing the channels and stopping impediment pain with orientvine or star-jasmine stem by equal weight.

A practical guide to Hai Feng Teng: what it is, how Traditional Chinese Medicine uses it, the classical formulas it appears in, and who should be careful with it.

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Last reviewed Oct 13, 2026

Quick Facts

Latin Name	Piperis Kadsurae Caulis
Chinese Name & Pinyin	海風藤 · Hai Feng Teng
Medicinal Part	Stems and woods
The herb	Hai Feng Teng is the dried stem of Piper kadsura. Luo Shi Teng and Qing Feng Teng are different official drugs.
Nature and channels	Acrid, bitter, slightly warm. Enters the Liver. Acrid bitter slight warmth dispels wind-damp, unblocks the channels, and stops bi pain.
Pharmacopoeia line	Dispels wind-damp. Unblocks the channels. Stops bi pain. Used for wind-cold-damp bi, limb and joint pain, sinew spasm, and difficulty bending and stretching.
Pattern cues	Wind-cold-damp bi. Cold limb and joint pain. Sinew spasm. Difficulty bending and stretching.
In this article	Hai Feng Teng versus Luo Shi Teng, Qing Feng Teng, and Sang Zhi. Cold-damp bi versus heat bi. Why yin deficiency with interior heat should skip it. Who should skip it.

What Is Hai Feng Teng?

Hai Feng Teng (海风藤; Hǎi Fēng Téng; Latin: Piperis Kadsurae Caulis; English: kadsura pepper stem) is the dried stem of Piper kadsura (Choisy) Ohwi. In Chinese medicine it is a wind-damp-dispelling herb. It is acrid, bitter, and slightly warm, enters the Liver channel, and its core actions are to dispel wind-damp, unblock the channels, and stop bi pain. The teaching point is wind-cold-damp bi, limb and joint pain, and sinew spasm. It is not Luo Shi Teng. Star jasmine stem is bitter and slightly cold. It dispels wind, unblocks collaterals, cools the blood, and reduces swelling, and leans toward heat bi. It is not Qing Feng Teng. Orientvine is bitter, acrid, and neutral. It dispels wind-damp and unblocks channels. Nature and safety margin differ. A beach or garden vine is not the official piece. Yin deficiency with interior heat, and red swollen hot joint pain, are a poor match.

It is used most often for three patterns:

Wind-cold-damp bi — limb and joint pain
Sinew spasm — difficulty bending and stretching
Numb limbs — cold-damp

The usual decoction dose is 6–12 g. Acrid, bitter, and slightly warm, it is not a daily “collateral kadsura tea.” Unblocking when there is no cold-damp assists heat.

When wind-cold-damp blocks the channels, cold joint pain and spasm are common. Hai Feng Teng is acrid, bitter, and slightly warm. It dispels, unblocks, and stops pain, which is why it appears in wind-cold-damp bi formulas. It warms and unblocks more than it cools. Red swollen hot pain and a red tongue get hotter if more is added.

Hai Feng Teng is not a catch-all collateral or pain stem. In heat bi or yin deficiency with interior heat, using it alone can warm, dry, and assist heat. Whether it belongs in a formula should be decided by a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner after pattern diagnosis.

Hai Feng Teng: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Piperis Kadsurae Caulis

Botanical Origin

The dried vine stem of Piper kadsura (Choisy) Ohwi (Piperaceae).

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Fujian, Zhejiang, Guangdong and Taiwan.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material is firm, with distinct nodes, and a faintly pungent aroma.

Macroscopic Features

Cylindrical or flattened stems, 0.3~2cm diameter; externally greyish-brown with longitudinal wrinkles and node-rings; fracture with a dotted vascular pattern.

Authentic Regions and Quality Identification

While it grows in various regions, main production areas include Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi provinces.

Appearance: High-quality stems are slightly curved, flattened cylinders. They are grayish-brown with distinct lengthwise ridges. The texture is light and crisp, and snapping it reveals a grayish-white cross-section with tiny holes and radiating lines.
Taste and Smell: It has a very mild fragrance and a slightly bitter, bland taste.
Lookalikes: Be careful not to confuse it with other vines like Mu Tong. Those substitutes are usually much tougher to break, have a different scent, and show different patterns inside the stem.

Traditional Properties & Historical Lineage

Nature, Flavour & Channel Tropism

Acrid, Bitter; Slightly warmLiver

1. Historical Records

This herb has been valued in classical TCM literature for generations:

Ben Cao Zai Xin (New Compilation of Materia Medica) noted that it unblocks meridians, harmonizes blood, clears dampness, and helps with lower body and joint issues.
Zhejiang Zhong Yao Shou Ce (Zhejiang Handbook of Chinese Medicine) highlighted its ability to clear dampness, relax sinews, and relieve weak or painful knees and legs.
Xian Dai Shi Yong Zhong Yao (Modern Practical Chinese Medicine) also documented its use for easing joint pain, stiffness, and weakness in the lower back and knees.

2. Evolution of TCM Understanding

Over time, TCM practitioners have appreciated different facets of Hai Feng Teng (Kadsura Pepper Stem):

Some emphasize its "wind-damp" clearing properties, using it specifically for achy, weather-sensitive joints.
Others focus on its ability to unblock blood vessels and meridians to ease numbness and muscle spasms.
Consensus: Because its nature is so neutral and gentle, it is suitable for most people. However, practitioners advise that those with extreme physical weakness or severe internal heat should still use it with caution.

Core Efficacies & Traditional Applications

Traditional Functions

Dispels wind-damp, unblocks the channels, and relieves pain. Apply to wind-damp bi, stiff joints, and aching of the low back and knees.

1. Primary Focus: Dispelling Wind-Dampness and Unblocking Meridians

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Hai Feng Teng (Kadsura Pepper Stem) is primarily used to clear dampness and unblock the meridians, relieving joint discomfort caused by "wind-damp" blockages.

Common Symptoms: It helps with achy joints, numbness, stiffness, and limited mobility, especially when triggered by cold, damp environments or chronic strain.
Common Pairings: It is often paired with Du Huo (Pubescent Angelica Root) or Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root) to enhance its ability to clear dampness and support the liver and kidneys.
Warning: Individuals with extreme physical weakness or "Yin deficiency with internal heat" (experiencing dry mouth, hot flashes, or night sweats) should not use it without a practitioner's guidance.

2. Secondary Focus: Harmonizing Blood Vessels and Relieving Spasms

This herb also helps harmonize blood flow to relax tight muscles and ease spasms.

Common Symptoms: It is used for limb numbness, stiff joints, and tight muscles caused by sluggish Qi and blood circulation.
Common Pairings: It is frequently combined with blood-moving herbs like Dang Gui (Angelica Root) or Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Rhizome).
Warning: Pregnant women or those with heavy menstrual bleeding should avoid it, as its blood-moving properties may cause complications.

3. Common Herb Pairing: Hai Feng Teng and Niu Xi

A classic TCM combination is Hai Feng Teng paired with Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root).

The Synergy: Hai Feng Teng excels at clearing dampness from the meridians, while Niu Xi strengthens the lower back and knees and directs the medicinal effects downward. Together, they effectively treat achy lower limbs and stiff joints caused by liver/kidney weakness and dampness.
Caution: This combination requires a proper TCM diagnosis and should not be mixed at home without professional advice.

Modern Research

Modern research offers useful context, but Traditional Chinese Medicine prescribes on whole-pattern diagnosis rather than isolated compounds.

1. Primary Chemical Components

Modern laboratories have identified lignans, flavonoids, and volatile oils in Hai Feng Teng (Kadsura Pepper Stem).

Lab Findings: While some test-tube and animal studies show that these extracts might influence cellular activity and joint mobility, there is currently insufficient human clinical data to confirm these specific medical benefits in people.

2. Modern Pharmacological Research

Current modern research mostly explores the herb's potential effects on limb and joint mobility. In animal models, certain extracts have shown interaction with joint tissues, but this remains in the preliminary observation phase and requires human trials for verification.

3. Limitations of Modern Research

It is important to view modern lab results with a grounded perspective:

Lab vs. Human: Results from animal or cell models do not automatically translate to human healing.
Extracts vs. Tea: Labs use highly concentrated, isolated chemicals. This is vastly different from drinking a traditional, water-boiled herbal decoction.
Synergy: TCM relies on the whole herb acting together. You cannot measure the true traditional efficacy of Hai Feng Teng (Kadsura Pepper Stem) based on just one isolated compound.

Comparing Similar Herbs

1. Common Ground

Both Hai Feng Teng and Luo Shi Teng (Star Jasmine Stem) share the ability to unblock meridians and improve joint mobility. They are both commonly used for "wind-damp" joint discomfort and require a constitution check before use.

2. Core Differences

Nature and Flavor: Hai Feng Teng is neutral and slightly bitter/acrid, making it very gentle. Luo Shi Teng is slightly cold and bitter.
Core Focus: Hai Feng Teng focuses on clearing dampness to ease numbness and spasms. Luo Shi Teng focuses on clearing heat and cooling the blood, making it better for swollen, inflamed joints.
Symptoms: Choose Hai Feng Teng for aches that worsen in cold, damp weather. Choose Luo Shi Teng for joints that are red, hot, swollen, and worsen with heat.
Contraindications: Avoid Hai Feng Teng if you have severe Yin deficiency. Avoid Luo Shi Teng if you have a cold digestive system (e.g., frequent loose stools or a cold stomach).

3. Summary of Differences

Simply put, Hai Feng Teng (Kadsura Pepper Stem) is a gentle, neutral herb for everyday damp-cold joint stiffness, while Luo Shi Teng (Star Jasmine Stem) is a cooling herb specifically for hot, red, and swollen joints. They are not interchangeable.

Classical Formulas Containing Hai Feng Teng

Formulas vs. Single Herbs

Synergy is Key: A formula is a balanced team. The healing power comes from how the herbs interact, so a single herb cannot simply replicate a full formula's effects.
Holistic Balance: The exact dosage and combination in a formula affect the entire body. Never try to mix or alter these formulas at home based on internet articles.

Diet & Daily Home Use

1. Home Recipes

For mild, daily support, a gentle herbal soup can be beneficial.

Recipe: Use 10g of Hai Feng Teng, 10g of Niu Xi, 100g of lean pork, and 2 slices of fresh ginger. Blanch the pork, then simmer all ingredients in a clay pot with water for 1.5 hours. Add a pinch of salt.
Usage: Ideal for the rainy season or winter to help with heavy, stiff limbs caused by sitting too long or damp weather. Eat once a week.
Contraindications: Do not eat if you are pregnant, have night sweats, or suffer from chronic diarrhea.

2. Preparation and Brewing

Forms: The raw and processed forms are very similar; it is usually just cut into sections for easier brewing.
Brewing: No special steps are needed. Soak the herbs for 30 minutes, bring to a boil, and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Always use the traditional water decoction method rather than swapping for concentrated herbal extracts.

3. Dosage and Cycle

Dosage: Clinical doses range from 6-12g. Dietary wellness doses are slightly larger (10-15g) but are used in a much milder soup context.
Cycle: Do not use continuously for more than 2 weeks. If your symptoms do not improve, stop and consult a professional.

Contraindications & Safety Warnings

1. Who Should Avoid It?

Vulnerable Constitutions: People with extreme physical weakness or "Yin deficiency with heat" (dry mouth, red tongue, night sweats).
Special Populations: Pregnant and nursing women, children, and the elderly should avoid self-prescribing.
Organ Health & Allergies: Those with liver or kidney issues, or anyone with a known allergy to plants in the pepper family (Piperaceae).

2. Drug Interactions and Dietary Notes

Interactions: It may interact with blood thinners (like Warfarin), blood pressure medications, or diabetes drugs. Always consult your doctor before use.
Timing: Separate the intake of this herb and Western medications by at least 1-2 hours to avoid interfering with absorption.

3. Adverse Reactions and Overdose Risks

Side Effects: Overuse may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or bloating. Rarely, mild allergic skin rashes may occur.
Action Plan: If you experience severe stomach upset, allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, or a sudden worsening of symptoms, stop use immediately and seek medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hai Feng Teng

What is Hai Feng Teng? Are Qing Feng Teng and Luo Shi Teng the same?

Official Hai Feng Teng (海风藤) is the dried stem of Piper kadsura. The pharmacopoeial name is Piperis Kadsurae Caulis. It is also called wind vine. Qing Feng Teng is the stem of Sinomenium: bitter-acrid and neutral, dispels wind-damp, frees the channels and promotes urination. Luo Shi Teng is bitter and slightly cold: dispels wind, frees the collaterals, cools Blood and reduces swelling. Write Hai Feng Teng. Use caution in yin vacuity with Blood heat.

What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Hai Feng Teng?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Hai Feng Teng is acrid, bitter and slightly warm, enters the Liver channel, and acts to dispel wind-damp, free the channels and stop impediment pain. It is used for wind-cold-damp impediment, pain of the limbs and joints, sinew spasm, and difficulty flexing and extending. Acrid-bitter and slightly warm, it suits wind-cold-damp impediment—not yin vacuity with Blood heat, or damp-heat impediment.

How do you choose Hai Feng Teng versus Qing Feng Teng? Can Luo Shi Teng replace it?

Kadsura stem is slightly warm and leans to wind-cold-damp impediment and spasm. Orientvine is neutral and also promotes urination, and may be paired in wind-damp-heat impediment. Star-jasmine stem is slightly cold and cools Blood; it cannot replace warming and freeing the channels by equal weight. Commercial kadsura tea is not equal-weight pieces.

What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as a channel tea?

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 6–12 g. It is not a four-season “kadsura channel tea.” Yin vacuity with Blood heat only dries further as it warms. Limb and joint pain needs a practitioner to name a short course; it does not replace joint assessment.

What are the contraindications? Can it be used in pregnancy?

Unsuitable in yin vacuity with Blood heat and in damp-heat impediment. Pregnancy needs a practitioner’s assessment. Stop if dry mouth appears or joint redness and swelling worsen. Sudden limb weakness needs medical care.

Can Hai Feng Teng dispel wind-damp, free the channels and stop impediment pain?

It can help limb and joint pain and spasm from wind-cold-damp impediment. It is often joined with notopterygium, pubescent angelica, cinnamon twig and clematis in a Juan Bi Tang type formula. It dispels wind-damp, frees the channels and stops impediment pain—not a specific for every joint pain or every stroke.

Can Hai Feng Teng be drunk daily as a channel, damp or pain tea?

Wind-cold-damp impediment may enter a short formula; yin vacuity with Blood heat only dries further as it warms. “Kadsura must free the channels” does not replace joint assessment. Dispelling wind-damp, freeing the channels and stopping impediment pain should name 6–12 g.

How do you choose among Hai Feng Teng, Qing Feng Teng, Luo Shi Teng, Gui Zhi and Wei Ling Xian?

Kadsura stem is acrid-bitter and slightly warm: dispels wind-damp, frees the channels and stops impediment pain—wind-cold-damp impediment with spasm. Orientvine is bitter-acrid and neutral: dispels wind-damp, frees the channels and promotes urination—wind-damp with edema. Star-jasmine stem is bitter and slightly cold: dispels wind, frees the collaterals, cools Blood and reduces swelling—heat impediment and sores. Cinnamon twig is acrid-sweet and warm: induces sweat, releases the flesh and warms and frees the channels—cold-congealed shoulder and arm. Clematis is acrid-salty and warm: dispels wind-damp and frees the channels—severe impediment pain. Cold-damp spasm favors Hai Feng Teng (a Juan Bi Tang type formula); edema favors Qing Feng Teng; heat impediment favors Luo Shi Teng; cold congealing favors Gui Zhi; severe pain favors Wei Ling Xian. They may be paired after pattern differentiation; yin vacuity with Blood heat forbids large Hai Feng Teng and Gui Zhi.

Which herbs is Hai Feng Teng combined with? What are the representative formulas?

Wind-cold-damp impediment joins notopterygium, pubescent angelica, cinnamon twig and Chinese angelica in a Juan Bi Tang type formula. Spasm may join clematis and chaenomeles after pattern differentiation. Write Hai Feng Teng 6–12 g; do not replace warming and freeing the channels with orientvine by equal weight.

How do you choose and store Hai Feng Teng?

Choose flattened cylindrical stems, slightly swollen nodes, gray-brown, a narrow bark on the cut face, gray-yellow wood, gray-white radiating lines, an aromatic odor and a slightly bitter-acrid taste. Moldy, scentless or dirty lots are discarded. Store ventilated and dry. Buy pharmacopoeial Hai Feng Teng; do not replace dispelling wind-damp, freeing the channels and stopping impediment pain with orientvine or star-jasmine stem by equal weight.

Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.