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Luo Shi Teng络石藤

Trachelospermi Caulis · Star Jasmine Stem

Herbs that Dispel Wind-Dampness 祛风湿药《神农本草经》

Overview

The leafy stem of star jasmine, cut with the small aerial roots by which the vine grips stone — the image behind its name. Bitter and slightly cold, it is one of the few wind-damp herbs that cools rather than warms, so it is the one to reach for when joints are hot, red and swollen and the limbs will not bend easily. The same cooling reach extends to the throat and the skin, where it settles a hot, painfully swollen throat and heat-toxin sores.

Nature & Flavor

Bitter · Slightly cold

Channels

Heart · Liver · Kidney

Typical Dosage

6–12 g in decoction
络石藤Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

2 core actions

  • Dispels wind, frees the collateralsWind-damp painful obstruction with hot, swollen joints, muscle spasm, and difficulty bending and stretching — the hot presentation rather than the cold one.
  • Cools the blood, reduces swellingHot, painfully swollen sore throat; heat-toxin boils and sores, taken internally or decocted as a wash.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Luo Shi Teng

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Wind-damp joint pain with heat, redness and swelling
    - Muscle spasm and limbs that will not flex easily
    - Painfully swollen sore throat
    - Heat-toxin boils and sores

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

ArthritisJoint swellingPharyngitisBoils

Contraindications

Cautions

Cold in nature: not for joint pain that is plainly cold in character — worse in cold weather, better for warmth and a hot water bottle — and not for a cold, weak Spleen and Stomach with loose stools. Vine stems are among the herbs most often confused in trade, so the label should name Trachelospermum and material of uncertain identity should not be dispensed. Our dispensary data flags no toxicity and no allergy risk.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific restriction — practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》 (classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.