Stems and woodsBlood-activatingSpatholobi Caulis

Ji Xue Teng (Suberect Spatholobus Stem)

Q: What is Ji Xue Teng? Are sargentodoxa and Chinese angelica the same?

Official Ji Xue Teng (鸡血藤) is the dried stem of Spatholobus suberectus . The pharmacopoeial name is Spatholobi Caulis . It is mainly produced in Guangxi and Fujian. Sargentodoxa is bitter-neutral: clears heat, resolves toxin, moves Blood and dispels wind. Chinese angelica is sweet-acrid and warm: tonifies and moves Blood, regulates menstruation and stops pain. The three cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Ji Xue Teng. Use caution in Blood heat and pregnancy.

Q: What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Ji Xue Teng?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Ji Xue Teng is bitter, sweet and warm , enters the Liver and Kidney channels, and acts to move and tonify Blood, regulate menstruation and stop pain, relax the sinews and free the channels . It is used for irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, wind-damp bi pain, numbness and paralysis, and Blood vacuity with sallow complexion. Bitter-sweet and warm, it suits Blood vacuity with Blood stasis—not reckless Blood heat, or absence of stasis.

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

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 9–15 g . It is not a four-season “spatholobus Blood-moving tea.” Blood heat only becomes more reckless as it is moved. Dysmenorrhea needs a practitioner to name a short course; it does not replace gynecological assessment.

Q: How do you choose and store Ji Xue Teng?

Choose elliptical or long rectangular slices, a gray-brown surface, resinous secretions in the cortex, a red-brown or brown-yellow wood on the cut surface, a faint odor and an astringent taste . Moldy, dirty or non-resinous lots are discarded. Store ventilated and dry, protected from mold and insects. Buy pharmacopoeial Ji Xue Teng; do not replace moving and tonifying Blood, regulating menstruation and stopping pain, relaxing the sinews and freeing the channels with sargentodoxa or Chinese angelica by equal weight.

A practical guide to Ji Xue 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	Spatholobi Caulis
Chinese Name & Pinyin	雞血藤 · Ji Xue Teng
Medicinal Part	Stems and woods
The herb	Ji Xue Teng is the dried stem of Spatholobus suberectus. Da Xue Teng (Hong Teng) and Dang Gui are different official drugs.
Nature and channels	Bitter, sweet, warm. Enters the Liver and Kidney. Bitter sweet warmth invigorates blood, tonifies blood, regulates the menses, relieves pain, and quickens the collaterals.
Pharmacopoeia line	Invigorates blood and tonifies blood. Regulates the menses and relieves pain. Relaxes sinew and quickens the collaterals. Used for irregular menses, painful periods, amenorrhea, wind-damp bi, numbness and paralysis, and blood-deficiency sallow complexion.
Pattern cues	Irregular menses. Painful periods. Amenorrhea. Wind-damp numbness. Blood-deficiency sallow complexion.
In this article	Ji Xue Teng versus Da Xue Teng, Dang Gui, and Chuan Xiong. Tonifying blood versus invigorating blood. Why pregnancy is a caution. Who should skip it.

What Is Ji Xue Teng?

Ji Xue Teng (鸡血藤; Jī Xuè Téng; Latin: Spatholobi Caulis; English: spatholobus stem) is the dried stem of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn. In Chinese medicine it is a blood-invigorating, menses-regulating herb. It is bitter, sweet, and warm, enters the Liver and Kidney channels, and its core actions are to invigorate blood and tonify blood, regulate the menses and relieve pain, and relax sinew and quicken the collaterals. The teaching point is irregular menses, with blood-deficiency sallow complexion and wind-damp numbness beside it. The cut face shows reddish-brown resinous secretions in the phloem, alternating with the wood in rings.

It is not Da Xue Teng. That vine, also called Hong Teng, is a Lardizabalaceae plant, bitter and neutral. It clears heat, resolves toxin, invigorates blood, and relieves pain. It does not tonify blood. Shop “blood vine” is often mixed up. It is not Dang Gui. Chinese angelica is sweet, acrid, and warm. It tonifies blood, invigorates blood, regulates the menses, and relieves pain. Tonifying blood is more specific. Ji Xue Teng is bitter, sweet, and warm. Tonifying blood and invigorating blood run together. Use caution in pregnancy. Yin-deficiency fire is a caution. Painful periods, amenorrhea, and numbness with paralysis need pattern diagnosis. Severe cases need a clinic.

It is used most often for three patterns:

Irregular menses — painful periods, amenorrhea
Wind-damp bi — numbness
Blood-deficiency sallow complexion

The usual decoction dose is 9–15 g. Bitter, sweet, and warm, it is not a daily “menses spatholobus” tea. Invigorating when there is no blood deficiency and no stasis can stir blood.

When blood deficiency carries stasis, or wind-damp blocks the collaterals, painful periods, numbness, and sallow complexion are common. Ji Xue Teng is bitter, sweet, and warm. It invigorates, tonifies, and relaxes sinew, which is why it appears in menses-regulating and collateral-unblocking formulas. It warms and unblocks more than it holds. Heavy periods with no stasis, and a dry red tongue, get worse or drier if more is added.

Ji Xue Teng is not a catch-all menses or collateral stem. With no blood deficiency and no stasis, in heavy periods, or in pregnancy, using it alone can stir blood. Whether it belongs in a formula should be decided by a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner after pattern diagnosis.

Ji Xue Teng: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Spatholobi Caulis

Botanical Origin

The dried vine of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn.(fabaceae).

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material has numerous resinous secretions.

Macroscopic Features

Oval, long cylindrical or irregular angled cut pieces, 0.3~1 cm thick. Cortex is grayish-brown, sometimes with grayish-white spots, reddish-brown color where the cork falls off. Out surface has reddish-brown or brown xylem, and numerous ducts; cortex has resinous secretions that appear reddish-brown to blackish-brown, alternating with the xylem in an arrangement that presents with 3~8 eccentric semi-circular rings; pith is off to one side. Hard texture, faint odor, astringent taste.

Authentic Regions and Quality Identification

Traditionally, the best quality comes from regions like Yunnan and Guangxi.

How to spot good quality: A high-quality slice will have a reddish-brown woody section with a lighter-colored pith in the center. It should feel solid, look fibrous, have a faint fragrance, and taste slightly astringent.
Processed versions: Stir-frying deepens the color. The wine-fried version has a mild alcohol scent, while the vinegar-fried version smells slightly sour.
Common lookalikes: It is easily confused with Da Xue Teng (Sargentodoxa Stem). You can tell them apart by the cut surface: Da Xue Teng has multiple concentric rings, whereas Ji Xue Teng only has one distinct central pith.

Traditional Properties & Historical Lineage

Nature, Flavour & Channel Tropism

Bitter, Sweet; WarmLiverKidney

1. Historical Records

Ancient texts have long documented its benefits for circulation and mobility:

Ben Cao Gang Mu Shi Yi noted it could "invigorate blood, warm the lower back and knees, and resolve paralysis."
Ben Cao Zai Xin mentioned it could nourish the center (spleen/stomach) and manage dampness.
Modern Practical Chinese Medicine also records its traditional use for relieving limb numbness. (Note: These are traditional therapeutic descriptions, not modern medical diagnoses.)

2. Evolution of TCM Understanding

Throughout history, different TCM doctors have leveraged its dual nature differently:

Some emphasize its nourishing side, using it for weakness and limb discomfort caused by blood deficiency.
Others focus on its invigorating side to unblock stagnant meridians.
This flexibility means practitioners can tailor its use perfectly to a patient's specific needs, proving it is a highly adaptable, targeted herb rather than a one-size-fits-all remedy.

Core Efficacies & Traditional Applications

Traditional Functions

Invigorates blood, nourishes blood, and unblocks the channels. Apply to menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, numbness of the limbs, and wind-damp bi from blood deficiency with stasis.

1. Primary Focus: Nourishing Blood and Unblocking Meridians

The first traditional function of Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus Stem) is to nourish the body's Qi and blood while clearing up stagnation in the meridians, allowing healthy blood flow to reach your extremities.

Common signs of imbalance: It is often used for Qi and blood deficiency combined with blocked meridians. Symptoms include numbness or coldness in the limbs (especially the legs), a pale or sallow complexion, dizziness, fatigue, and light or pale menstrual flow.
Common pairings: To boost the blood-nourishing effect, it is often paired with Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) and Huang Qi (Astragalus). For a stronger meridian-clearing effect, it works well with Dan Shen (Salvia Root) or Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root).
Caution: Do not use this on your own if you have a cold or fever. Even though the herb is gentle, colds require "releasing" therapies first, and using tonics might trap the illness inside.

2. Secondary Focus: Invigorating Blood and Relieving Pain

Its second main function is to resolve blood stasis and ease pain caused by blocked energy channels.

Common signs of imbalance: It helps with stiff, achy joints, limited mobility, or localized pain from physical trauma (especially pain that stays in one fixed spot and gets worse when pressed).
Common pairings: For pain relief, it is often mixed with Ru Xiang (Frankincense) and Mo Yao (Myrrh). If the joint pain is related to wind-dampness, herbs like Du Huo (Angelica Pubescens) or Sang Ji Sheng (Mulberry Mistletoe) are added to strengthen bones and tendons.
Caution: Women with heavy menstrual bleeding should avoid it, as its blood-moving properties can increase the flow. Always consult a practitioner first.

3. Common Single-Herb Pairings: Synergistic Effects

A classic TCM pairing is Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus Stem) and Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis).

The Synergy: Ji Xue Teng excels at opening up the channels leading to the limbs, while Dang Gui is a master at deeply nourishing Yin blood. Together, they perfectly balance nourishing the blood and keeping it moving.
Best for: It is highly effective for limb numbness or light periods caused by poor circulation and low blood volume. However, because dosages need to be precise, do not mix them casually without a practitioner's guidance.

Modern Research

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

1. Main Chemical Components

Modern lab analysis shows that Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus Stem) contains flavonoids (like formononetin), triterpenes, sterols, and essential oils.

While lab tests show these compounds have antioxidant properties, and animal models show improved limb circulation, we still need comprehensive human clinical trials to confirm these exact effects in people.

2. Modern Pharmacological Focus

Western research on this herb is mostly limited to lab settings, focusing on:

Blood circulation: Potential to improve microcirculation in limbs.
Nervous system: Potential cellular metabolism support.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Observed relief in certain inflammatory models.

3. Limitations of Modern Research

It is important to keep a few things in mind when reading modern studies:

Lab vs. Life: Results from cell cultures and animals do not automatically translate to human health.
Extracts vs. Whole Herbs: Lab studies often use highly concentrated, isolated chemicals, which act very differently from the traditionally brewed whole vine.
Holistic effect: TCM relies on the synergy of all the compounds working together in the whole herb. Focusing on just one active ingredient doesn't capture the complete traditional therapeutic effect.

Comparing Similar Herbs

1. Common Ground with Similar Herbs

Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus Stem) and Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) share three main similarities:

Both nourish and invigorate blood, while clearing out stagnation.
Both treat limb discomfort and gynecological issues related to blood deficiency or stasis.
Both are commonly used in daily wellness, like herbal soups or teas, but both require strict dosage control to avoid side effects.

2. Core Differences

Nature: Ji Xue Teng is neutral and balanced—neither hot nor cold. Dang Gui is warm and slightly drying, making it better for cold body types.
Therapeutic Focus: Ji Xue Teng focuses on the physical pathways, pushing blood out to warm the hands and feet. Dang Gui focuses on the internal blood supply, treating pale faces and dizziness.
Direction: Ji Xue Teng naturally moves downward, targeting the lower body. Dang Gui moves upward and inward, nourishing the entire system.
Target Symptoms: Choose Ji Xue Teng for cold, numb limbs and stiff joints. Choose Dang Gui for pale skin, heart palpitations, and light periods.
Contraindications: Ji Xue Teng is very mild but should be skipped during colds or heavy periods. Dang Gui is warm, so anyone with "Yin deficiency" (dry mouth, heat flashes, dry stools) should avoid it to prevent severe internal heat.

3. One-Sentence Summary

Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus Stem) is better at unblocking pathways to the limbs, while Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) is better at deeply replenishing the body's blood supply; they serve different purposes and cannot replace one another.

Classical Formulas Containing Ji Xue 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 Herbal Meals and Teas

Ji Xue Teng and Red Date Tea:

Ingredients: 10g Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus Stem) slices, 3 pitted red dates, a pinch of brown sugar.
Method: Place the herb and dates in a teapot, add 500ml of boiling water, and steep for 10 minutes. Add brown sugar to taste.
Best for: People with cold limbs, pale faces, or mild period discomfort during autumn and winter.
Caution: Not for people with dry mouth, constipation, internal heat, or heavy periods. Limit to 1-2 times a week. Note: Even in teas, herbs are medicine, so stick to the recommended amounts.

2. Decoction and Processing Differences

Raw vs. Processed: The raw vine is better at moving blood for joint pain and injuries. The processed version (usually stir-fried with wine) is better at nourishing blood for numbness and irregular periods.
Brewing: Since it’s a vine, it’s easy to brew. Just soak it in water for 30 minutes, bring it to a boil, and simmer on low for 20-30 minutes. Do not swap clinical prescription doses with dietary doses—they are entirely different.

3. Dosage and Usage Cycle

Standard clinical dose: Usually 10-15 grams, adjusted by your doctor.
Dietary dose: Much lower, around 5-10 grams.
Cycle: Do not use it continuously for long periods. Try it for 1-2 weeks; if symptoms improve, take a break or consult your doctor. Pregnant women, kids, and those with liver/kidney issues must get medical clearance first.

Contraindications & Safety Warnings

1. Who Should Avoid It

Yin deficiency with heat: If you suffer from dry mouth, hot flashes, night sweats, or dry stools.
Pregnant and nursing women: Always consult a doctor first.
Children and Seniors: Should only use under strict medical supervision.
Liver/Kidney issues: Needs professional evaluation to avoid extra organ strain.
Allergies: Be cautious if you have a known allergy to plants in the legume family.

2. Drug Interactions and Dietary Notes

Blood thinners: It can interact with medications like Warfarin and affect your blood's clotting ability.
Other meds: It may also interact with blood pressure drugs, diabetes meds, and sedatives.
General rule: While there are no general food "clashes," never mix this herb with Western medications without asking your doctor or pharmacist first.

3. Adverse Reactions and Overdose Risks

Mild side effects: When used correctly, it is very safe. A few people might experience slight stomach upset, nausea, or bloating.
Emergency: If you develop a rash, extreme itching, continuous vomiting, breathing issues, or if your symptoms suddenly worsen, stop using it immediately and see a doctor. Never increase the dose on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ji Xue Teng

What is Ji Xue Teng? Are sargentodoxa and Chinese angelica the same?

Official Ji Xue Teng (鸡血藤) is the dried stem of Spatholobus suberectus. The pharmacopoeial name is Spatholobi Caulis. It is mainly produced in Guangxi and Fujian. Sargentodoxa is bitter-neutral: clears heat, resolves toxin, moves Blood and dispels wind. Chinese angelica is sweet-acrid and warm: tonifies and moves Blood, regulates menstruation and stops pain. The three cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Ji Xue Teng. Use caution in Blood heat and pregnancy.

What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Ji Xue Teng?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Ji Xue Teng is bitter, sweet and warm, enters the Liver and Kidney channels, and acts to move and tonify Blood, regulate menstruation and stop pain, relax the sinews and free the channels. It is used for irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, wind-damp bi pain, numbness and paralysis, and Blood vacuity with sallow complexion. Bitter-sweet and warm, it suits Blood vacuity with Blood stasis—not reckless Blood heat, or absence of stasis.

How do you choose raw versus prepared stem? Can Chinese angelica replace it?

Raw stem is stronger for moving Blood. Prepared stem leans to tonifying Blood. Chinese angelica leans to tonifying Blood and regulating menstruation; it cannot replace relaxing the sinews and freeing the channels by equal weight. Commercial spatholobus tea is not equal-weight pieces.

What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as a Blood-moving tea?

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 9–15 g. It is not a four-season “spatholobus Blood-moving tea.” Blood heat only becomes more reckless as it is moved. Dysmenorrhea needs a practitioner to name a short course; it does not replace gynecological assessment.

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

Use caution in reckless Blood heat. Use caution with large doses in pregnancy. Stop if bleeding worsens. Amenorrhea and bi pain need medical care.

Can Ji Xue Teng move and tonify Blood, regulate menstruation and stop pain, relax the sinews and free the channels?

It can help Blood vacuity with Blood stasis in dysmenorrhea and wind-damp bi pain. It joins Chinese angelica and chuanxiong. It moves and tonifies Blood, regulates menstruation and stops pain, relaxes the sinews and frees the channels—not a specific for every dysmenorrhea or every bi pain.

Can Ji Xue Teng be drunk daily as a Blood-moving, menstrual or channel tea?

Blood vacuity with Blood stasis may enter a short formula; Blood heat only becomes more reckless as it is moved. “Spatholobus must move Blood” does not replace assessment. Moving and tonifying Blood, regulating menstruation and stopping pain should name 9–15 g.

How do you choose among Ji Xue Teng, sargentodoxa, Chinese angelica, chuanxiong and salvia?

Spatholobus is bitter-sweet and warm: moves and tonifies Blood, regulates menstruation and stops pain, relaxes the sinews and frees the channels—Blood vacuity with Blood stasis and bi pain. Sargentodoxa is bitter-neutral: clears heat, resolves toxin, moves Blood and dispels wind—heat toxin with stasis obstruction. Chinese angelica is sweet-acrid and warm: tonifies and moves Blood, regulates menstruation and stops pain—Blood vacuity. Chuanxiong is acrid-warm: moves Blood and qi, dispels wind and stops pain—qi stagnation with Blood stasis. Salvia is bitter and slightly cold: moves Blood, dispels stasis, frees the channels and stops pain—Blood stasis with heat. Blood vacuity with stasis favors Ji Xue Teng; heat toxin favors sargentodoxa; Blood vacuity favors Chinese angelica; qi stagnation favors chuanxiong; Blood stasis with heat favors salvia. They may be paired after pattern differentiation; Blood heat forbids large Ji Xue Teng and chuanxiong, and pregnancy warrants caution.

Which herbs is Ji Xue Teng combined with? What are the representative formulas?

Blood vacuity with Blood stasis in dysmenorrhea joins Chinese angelica, chuanxiong and white peony. Write Ji Xue Teng 9–15 g; do not replace tonifying Blood with sargentodoxa by equal weight.

How do you choose and store Ji Xue Teng?

Choose elliptical or long rectangular slices, a gray-brown surface, resinous secretions in the cortex, a red-brown or brown-yellow wood on the cut surface, a faint odor and an astringent taste. Moldy, dirty or non-resinous lots are discarded. Store ventilated and dry, protected from mold and insects. Buy pharmacopoeial Ji Xue Teng; do not replace moving and tonifying Blood, regulating menstruation and stopping pain, relaxing the sinews and freeing the channels with sargentodoxa or Chinese angelica by equal weight.

Related Products

Nong's Ji Xue Teng Concentrated Granules

Nong's Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus Stem) Single Herb 5:1 Concentrated Granules $53.39

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.