Ji Xue Teng

Suberect Spatholobus Stem (ji xue teng, 鸡血藤), also known as Caulis Spatholobi, refers to the vine of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn., a bush that belongs to the Leguminosaae family. 

This plant is mainly produced in the Guangxi, Fujian, Guangdong and Yunnan provinces of China. After being collected in autumn, the vines are then cleansed, dried under the sun and cut into pieces for medicinal usage. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ji Xue Teng falls under the category of ‘Herbs that invigorate the blood’. Such herbs can stimulate the blood flow, aid blood circulation in cardiovascular conditions and menstrual irregularities, and treat acute pains, tumours, cysts and hardened clots caused by blood stagnation.

Warm in nature, Ji Xue Teng can help individuals with too much Cold in their body, such as those experiencing a yang deficiency or a yin excess, to restore a harmonious yin-yang balance. Bitter and sweet in taste, Ji Xue Teng can cleanse the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. Also, Ji Xue Teng can slow down acute reactions, detoxify the body and has a tonic effect on the body by replenishing qi and blood.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shows that Ji Xue Teng has the following health benefits.

Ji Xue Teng can promote the movement of blood and nourish blood. Thus, this herb is often indicated for symptoms such as irregular menstruation, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea that are caused by blood stasis or blood deficiency. 

For irregular menstruation, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea caused by blood stasis, Ji Xue Teng can be combined with blood-activating and menstruation-regulating herbs such as Flos Carthami (Hong Hua) and Dan Shen Root to enhance its effectiveness. For irregular menstruation, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea caused by blood deficiency, Ji Xue Teng can be combined with blood-tonifying and menstruation-regulating herbs such as Dang Gui and White Peony Root (Bai Shao)  to enhance its effectiveness.

Also, Ji Xue Teng can tonify one’s blood while soothing tendons and activating collaterals. Hence, Ji Xue Teng can be used to treat body numbness, weakness and pain in lower back and knees, paralysis caused by blood deficiency, and stasis in meridians and collaterals. 

By combining Ji Xue Teng with Wind-Damp-dispelling herbs such as Du Huo, the herb’s effects in treating arthralgia caused by Wind and Dampness is enhanced. For paralysis caused by apoplexy, Ji Xue Teng can be combined with qi tonics, blood-activating and collateral-dredging herbs to enhance its effectiveness.

The recommended daily dosage of Ji Xue Teng is 3 – 10g, when used as a decoction. Some healthcare practitioners may recommend higher doses of 10 -15g, up to 30g, depending on your condition. Alternatively, Ji Xue Teng can be soaked in wine or made into ointment for medicinal usage. 

For long-term consumption, Ji Xue Teng is often made into medicinal wine or syrup. You may find Ji Xue Teng and its supplements, such as pills and powder, in certain herbal stores and Asian specialty markets.

Ji Xue Teng should not be used by individuals experiencing  menorrhagia or pregnancy. 

We strongly encourage you to consult your healthcare provider before deciding to add Ji Xue Teng to your healthcare routine!

Here is a summary for Ji Xue Teng:

• Herb name (Chinese): 鸡血藤
• Herb name (Pin Yin): jī xuè téng
• Herb name (English): Suberect Spatholobus Stem
• Herb name (Botanical): Caulis Spatholobi
• Origin of species: Spatholobus suberectus Dunn
• Part(s) of herb used: Lianoid stem
• Geo-specific habitat(s): Guangxi, Yunnan
• Taste(s) & Properties: Bitter, slightly sweet; Warm; Administrates the Liver and Kidney Meridians
• Actions: Eases symptoms related to the menstrual cycle, e.g. irregular or painful periods; Relieves rheumatic pain, limb numbness or weakness

Pan, Y., Luo, X., & Gong, P. (2023). Spatholobi caulis: A systematic review of its traditional uses, chemical constituents, biological activities and clinical applications. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 116854. [Accessed on 7th August 2023]

Cao, Y., Tang, Q., Luo, L., Gao, Z., & Zhang, S. (2018). A preliminary study on the anticancer efficacy of Caulis spatholobi compound 1802. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 31.[Accessed on 7th August 2023]