Xiang Jia Pi (Chinese Silkvine Root-bark)

Naming

Xiang Jia Pi (Cortex Periplocae)——Zhong Yao Zhi (Records on Chinese Materia Media)

The Processing of Cortex Periplocae

Origin

The root bark of the Periploca sepium Bge of family Asclepiadaceae.

Location

Shanxi, Henan and Hebei provinces, etc.

Harvest

Collected in spring and autumn.

The actual smell and taste

Special fragrant and bitter.

Best quality

Thick stick and bark, reel in shape without duramen, strong fragrance andbitter taste.

Processing

Dried in sunlight, sliced and unprocessed.

The Effect of Cortex Periplocae

Property

Pungent, bitter, warm; toxic; liver, kidney and heart meridians entered.

Actions

Dispel wind-damp, induce diuresis to alleviate edema.

Indications

A. Arthralgia syndrome due to wind-damp

Being pungent and bitter with the action of dispersing and drying, fragrant and warm with unblocking, it can dispel wind-damp and warm meridians to alleviate pain. For arthralgia syndrome due to wind, dampness and cold, pain and spasm of joints, it is often combined with other wind-dispelling, damp-removing and cold-dispelling herbs. For chronic arthralgia syndrome characterized by paralysis of tendons and bones, it should be combined with liver-kidney tonics, tendons-bones-strengthening herbs, and tendons-soothing and collaterals-activating herbs, such as Ba Ji Tian, Huai Niu Xi and Mu Gua.

B. Edema, difficulty in micturition

Being bitter and warm with the action of descending and unblocking, it has the action of inducing diuresis to alleviate edema. For edema and difficulty in micturition, it is often combined with diuresis-inducing, and qi-moving herbs. For instance, Fu Ling Pi, Da Fu Pi and Chen Pi, etc.

Dosage and Administrations

Decoct 3~6 g; or soaked in wine, made in pill or powder for use.

Cautions

Overdosage should be avoided because it is poisonous.