Ji Xue Teng: The TCM Herb for Blood Circulation and Joint Health
- Hongji Medical
- Jun 12
- 4 min read
Ji Xue Teng, also known as Spatholobus suberectus or Chicken Blood Vine, is the dried stem of a plant in the legume family, named for the reddish sap that oozes from its cut surface, resembling chicken blood. This herb is a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to promote blood circulation, relax muscles, and relieve menstrual pain.
While Ji Xue Teng’s use dates back centuries, early TCM texts provide limited details. Later works, like Zhao Xuemin’s Bencao Gangmu Shiyi (Supplement to Compendium of Materia Medica), noted its ability to activate blood and relieve paralysis.
The Bencao Zaixin described it as a tonic that promotes blood flow and eases pain. Regional herbal records and folk practices further highlight its role in treating rheumatic pain and irregular menstruation, establishing Ji Xue Teng as a key remedy for blood stasis and muscle discomfort.
Properties of Ji Xue Teng
Nature and Channels
Taste: Bitter, slightly sweet
Nature: Warm
Channels: Liver, Kidney
Main Benefits
Promotes blood circulation and clears channels
Relaxes muscles and joints
Regulates menstruation and relieves pain
Nourishes blood
Dosage
Internal use: 9–15 grams, boiled in decoctions.
Growing Regions
Found in southern China, including Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, and Fujian, harvested in autumn or winter.
Identification
Shape: Cylindrical or semi-cylindrical slices, 1–5 cm in diameter, 0.3–1 cm thick.
Color: Grayish-brown outer bark with longitudinal cracks; cut surface light brown or reddish-brown with concentric rings and scattered vessel pores.
Texture: Hard, not easily broken, with reddish or brownish-red sap visible on cross-section.
Scent and Taste: Mild scent, astringent taste.
Preparation
Typically sliced and used raw or wine-fried to enhance its blood-activating and channel-clearing effects.
Clinical Uses of Ji Xue Teng
Ji Xue Teng is used in TCM to treat various conditions:
Rheumatic Pain: Relieves joint pain, stiffness, and swelling worsened by cold, often with numbness.
Menstrual Irregularities: Eases irregular periods, heavy or scanty flow, dark clotted blood, and abdominal pain.
Dysmenorrhea: Reduces severe menstrual cramps and lower back pain.
Trauma and Injuries: Treats bruising, swelling, and pain from falls or impacts.
Limb Numbness: Improves sensation and mobility in limbs affected by poor blood flow or channel blockage.
Specific Benefits
Promoting Blood Circulation: Contains flavonoids and phenols that dilate blood vessels and improve microcirculation, relieving stasis.
Relaxing Muscles and Joints: Reduces muscle spasms and enhances joint mobility.
Regulating Menstruation: Balances menstrual cycles and alleviates pain.
Nourishing Blood: Supports blood production, addressing numbness and fatigue from deficiency.
Ji Xue Teng in TCM Formulas
Ji Xue Teng is often combined with other herbs in TCM formulas to enhance its effects. Here are some examples:
Ji Xue Teng Tang (Ji Xue Teng Decoction): Combines Ji Xue Teng with Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Safflower, Red Peony, Peach Kernel, Cyathula, and Licorice to activate blood and relieve menstrual pain or irregular periods.
Ji Xue Teng Shu Jin Tang (Ji Xue Teng Muscle-Relaxing Decoction): Includes Ji Xue Teng with Notopterygium, Angelica Pubescens, Saposhnikovia, Gentiana, Cinnamon Twig, White Peony, and Licorice to dispel wind-dampness and ease rheumatic pain.
Huo Luo Dan (Channel-Activating Pill): Uses Ji Xue Teng to promote blood flow and relieve pain from wind-cold-dampness causing limb stiffness or numbness.
Comparison with Similar Herbs
Ji Xue Teng shares blood-activating properties with other TCM herbs but has distinct strengths:
Dang Gui (Angelica Root): Nourishes and activates blood, ideal for blood deficiency with stasis.
Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Root): Activates blood and moves qi, excelling in pain relief for headaches and chest pain.
Hong Hua (Safflower): Strongly activates blood, best for severe stasis.
Ji Xue Teng’s focus on muscle relaxation and menstrual regulation makes it ideal for rheumatic and gynecological issues, while Dang Gui nourishes, Chuan Xiong targets pain, and Hong Hua addresses heavy stasis.
Modern Applications and Research
Modern research highlights Ji Xue Teng’s benefits:
Vasodilation: Improves blood flow and microcirculation, relieving numbness and pain.
Anti-Platelet Aggregation: Prevents blood clots by inhibiting platelet clumping.
Pain Relief: Provides analgesic effects for joint and menstrual pain.
Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, easing swelling and discomfort.
Immune Support: Enhances immune function, boosting resistance.
Clinically, Ji Xue Teng is used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular issues, and gynecological conditions like irregular periods and postpartum stasis, with promising results.
How to Use Ji Xue Teng Safely
Precautions
Pregnant Women: Use cautiously due to its blood-activating effects, especially in those with a history of miscarriage.
Bleeding Disorders: Avoid in conditions like hemophilia or low platelets.
Heavy Menstruation: Use carefully, as it may increase bleeding.
Usage Tips
Wine-fried Ji Xue Teng is preferred for stronger blood activation. It can also be soaked in alcohol for topical or oral use. Consult a TCM practitioner for proper dosage and suitability.
Conclusion
Ji Xue Teng is a versatile TCM herb known for promoting blood flow, relaxing muscles, and relieving pain. It effectively treats rheumatic pain, menstrual issues, injuries, and numbness, with modern research supporting its circulatory, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting benefits. As studies continue, Ji Xue Teng’s therapeutic potential may expand further. To ensure safe and effective use, consult a TCM practitioner for guidance on dosage and preparation.
