Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Erythrinae Cortex |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 海桐皮 · Hai Tong Pi |
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| Medicinal Part | Tree barks and root barks |
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| Efficacy Category | Wind-damp dispelling |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried bark of Erythrina variegata L. var. orientalis (L.) Merr. or Erythrina arborescens Roxb. (Fabaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Bitter, Acrid; Neutral |
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| Channels Entered | Liver, Spleen |
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What Is Hai Tong Pi?
Hai Tong Pi (Indian Coral Tree Bark) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Hainan, Fujian.
Nature & Flavour: Bitter, Acrid; Neutral
Channels Entered: Liver, Spleen
Hai Tong Pi: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Erythrinae Cortex
Botanical Origin
The dried bark of Erythrina variegata L. var. orientalis (L.) Merr. or Erythrina arborescens Roxb. (Fabaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Hainan, Fujian.
Quality Requirements
Superior material is thick, with large, hard prickles.
Macroscopic Features
Irregular half-cylindrical or plate-shaped pieces, 10~20 cm long, 1~2 cm thick; externally brownish-black or dark brown, rough, with sharp conical prickles up to 8 mm high, the prickle base 1~3 cm diameter; inner surface yellowish-brown, smooth with fine longitudinal striations; texture hard and brittle; fractured surface fibrous; slight odor; bitter taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Bitter, Acrid; NeutralLiverSpleen
Traditional Functions
Dispels wind-dampness, unblocks collaterals, stops impediment pain, and kills parasites and relieves itching.
How Hai Tong Pi Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Hai Tong Pi is classified among the Wind-damp dispelling herbs.
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.
