Hǎi Tóng Pí (海桐皮), known in English as Coral bean bark (Erythrina variegata (bark)), is a neutral, bitter and acrid Chinese herb from the Expel wind-damp category. It enters the Liver channel. Its main action: expels Wind-Damp, unblocks collaterals, relieves pain.
| Pinyin | Hǎi Tóng Pí (Hai Tong Pi) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 海桐皮 |
| English | Coral bean bark |
| Botanical name | Erythrina variegata (bark) |
| Category | Expel wind-damp |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Bitter, Acrid |
| Channels | Liver |
| Dosage | 5–15g |
| Cautions | Blood deficiency |
Actions
- Expels Wind-Damp, unblocks collaterals, relieves pain
- Kills parasites, stops itching (topical)
Indications
- Wind-Damp Bi with cramping limbs and pain in the back and knees
- Scabies and eczema (topical)
How to remember Hǎi Tóng Pí
Expel wind-damp herbs are mostly bitter, and most enter the Liver and Kidney channels.
- You can work these out
- Bitter, Liver channel: like most Expel wind-damp herbs
- Learn by heart
- Neutral: Expel wind-damp herbs vary in nature
- Acrid: unusual for Expel wind-damp herbs (most are bitter)
Other Expel wind-damp herbs
- Dú Huó
- Qiāng Huó
- Wēi Líng Xiān
- Fáng Jǐ
- Mù Guā
- Sāng Jì Shēng
- Wǔ Jiā Pí
- Luò Shí Téng
- Xī Xiān Cǎo
- Qín Jiāo
- Sāng Zhī
- Gǒu Jǐ
- Bái Huā Shé
- Cǎo Wū
- Hǎi Fēng Téng
- Chuān Wū
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Hǎi Tóng Pí?
Hǎi Tóng Pí is neutral and bitter and acrid.
Which channels does Hǎi Tóng Pí enter?
Hǎi Tóng Pí enters the Liver channel.
What are the actions of Hǎi Tóng Pí?
Expels Wind-Damp, unblocks collaterals, relieves pain; Kills parasites, stops itching (topical).
What is Hǎi Tóng Pí used for?
Wind-Damp Bi with cramping limbs and pain in the back and knees; scabies and eczema (topical).
Practise Hǎi Tóng Pí and the other 290 herbs
Recognise each herb from its picture, recall its nature, flavour, channels and actions, and review it again just before you would forget it.
Try the 5-question herb quizShen Study is a study tool. Doses and cautions are as taught in standard Chinese materia medica texts; they are not prescribing advice.