Futokadsura stem (Haifengteng)
Pharmaceutical Name: Caulis Piperis futokadsurae
Botanical Name: 1. Piper futokadsura Sieb. et Zucc.; 2. Piper hancei Maxim.
Common Name: Kasura stem, Futokadsura stem
Source of Earliest Record: Bencao Zaixin
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The stems are gathered in summer or autumn, dried in the sun and cut into slices.
Properties & Taste: Pungent, bitter and slightly warm.
Meridian: Liver.
Functions: 1. To dispel wind and dampness; 2. To clear the channels and collaterals
Indications & Combinations: Wind-damp obstruction syndrome manifested as painful and stiff joints, tendon and muscle spasms, lower back pain, painful knees and pain from external injury. Futokadsura stem
(Haifengteng) is used with other herbs that dispel wind and invigorate the circulation of blood in channels and collaterals, such as Erythrina bark (Haitongpi), Large-leaf gentian root (Qinjiao) and Mulberry twigs (Sangzhi).
Dosage: 5-10 g