Honeysuckle Stem (Ren Dong Teng)

Honeysuckle Stem (ren dong teng, 忍冬藤), also known as Caulis Lonicerae Japonicae, refers to the stem and branch of Lonicera japonica Thunb., which belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family. In China, this plant is commonly found in the provinces of Henan and Shandong.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ren Dong Teng falls under the category of ‘Herbs that clear Heat and purge fire and/or clear summer Heat’. Such herbs are used to clear inflammatory and infectious conditions, referred to as Internal Heat in TCM. Most herbs in this category will have both antibacterial and antiviral properties. 

Cold in nature, Ren Dong Teng can help individuals with too much Heat in their body, such as those experiencing a yang excess or a yin deficiency, to restore a harmonious yin-yang balance. Sweet in taste, Ren Dong Teng can slow down acute reactions, detoxify the body and has a tonic effect on the body by replenishing qi and blood. In particular, Ren Dong Teng targets the Lungs and the stomach.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shows that Ren Dong Teng has the following health benefits.

Ren Dong Teng can clear Heat and resolve toxicity, which helps to release the Exterior. Thus, this herb is often indicated for many mild signs of Heat and toxins, including skin eruptions and sores. Also, Ren Dong Teng can dispel Wind-Dampness, sooth sinews and unblock channels. This herb is often used to relieve bi-pain caused by Wind, Damp, or Heat, as well as itching due to Wind.

With the ability to cool one’s blood, Ren Dong Teng is used as an adjunctive herb for abdominal pain caused by Heat, early periods, excess bleeding and mastitis. In particular, it can relieve blood Heat dysentery and abdominal pain due to inflammation.

In addition, Ren Dong Teng can expel Wind-Heat and clear Damp-Heat from the Lower Jiao.

The recommended daily dosage of Ren Dong Teng is 10 – 30g, when made into a decoction, used as pills, powder, or soaked in wine. For external application, you may pound the herb into powder for application, or decoct the herb for washing, or make it into an ointment. Do consult your healthcare provider on the recommended dosage to apply for your condition.

Ren Dong Teng and its supplements may be found in herbal stores and Asian specialty markets.

Ren Dong Teng should not be used by individuals experiencing frequent diarrhoea caused by Spleen and stomach deficiency-Cold, sores caused by qi deficiency and yin ulcers.

We strongly encourage you to consult your healthcare provider before deciding to add Ren Dong Teng to your healthcare routine!

Here is a summary for Ren Dong Teng:

• Herb name (Chinese): 忍冬藤
• Herb name (Pin Yin): rěn dōng téng
• Herb name (English): Honeysuckle Stem
• Herb name (Botanical): Caulis Lonicerae Japonicae
• Origin of species: Lonicera japonica Thunb.
• Part(s) of herb used: Stem and branch
• Geo-specific habitat(s): Henan, Shandong
• Taste(s) & Properties: Sweet; Cold; Administrates the Lung and Stomach Meridians
• Actions: Eases early symptoms of influenza; Relieves pains resulting from rheumatic or inflammatory joints

Su, X., Zhu, Z. H., Zhang, L., Wang, Q., Xu, M. M., Lu, C., … & Zhao, M. (2021). Anti-inflammatory property and functional substances of Lonicerae Japonicae Caulis. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 267, 113502. [Accessed on 18th August 2023]

Tang, Y., Yin, L., Zhang, Y., Huang, X., Zhao, F., Cui, X., … & Xu, L. (2016). Study on anti-inflammatory efficacy and correlative ingredients with pharmacodynamics detected in acute inflammation rat model serum from Caulis Lonicerae japonicae. Phytomedicine, 23(6), 597-610. [Accessed on 18th August 2023]

Wang, C., Huandike, M., Yang, Y., Zhang, H., Feng, G., Meng, X., … & Chai, L. (2021). Glycosides of Caulis Lonicerae inhibits the inflammatory proliferation of IL‐1β‐mediated fibroblast‐like synovial cells cocultured with lymphocytes. Phytotherapy Research, 35(5), 2807-2823. [Accessed on 18th August 2023]