Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Tripterygii Wilfordii Radix |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 雷公藤 · Lei Gong Teng |
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| Medicinal Part | Roots and rhizomes |
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| Efficacy Category | Wind-damp dispelling |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried root and rhizome of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (Celastraceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Bitter, Acrid; Cold; Highly toxic |
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| Channels Entered | Liver, Kidney |
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What Is Lei Gong Teng?
Lei Gong Teng (Thunder God Vine Root) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi.
Nature & Flavour: Bitter, Acrid; Cold; Highly toxic
Channels Entered: Liver, Kidney
Lei Gong Teng: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Tripterygii Wilfordii Radix
Botanical Origin
The dried root and rhizome of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (Celastraceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is thick, reddish-brown, with bark.
Macroscopic Features
Root is cylindrical, often branched, 10~60cm long, 0.5~3cm diameter. Externally yellowish-brown or dark brown, with longitudinal wrinkles and transverse lenticels; bark often fallen off. Hard; cut surface is reddish-brown, with wood rays. Faint odor, taste bitter and pungent.
Traditional TCM Properties
Bitter, Acrid; Cold; Highly toxicLiverKidney
Traditional Functions
Expels wind-dampness, invigorates collaterals, reduces swelling and stops pain, kills parasites and resolves toxin.
How Lei Gong Teng Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Lei Gong Teng 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.
