The Efficacy and Functions of Sargentodoxa cuneata

Sargentodoxa cuneata (Hongteng) has a bitter taste and a neutral property, and is associated with the liver and large intestine meridians. It clears heat, resolves toxicity, dispels wind, and eliminates dampness. For abdominal pain due to intestinal abscess caused by toxic heat and blood stasis, it is commonly used together with herbs such as honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), forsythia (Forsythia suspensa), and tree peony bark (Paeonia suffruticosa), enhancing its effect in clearing heat and detoxifying. It promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis, making it effective for traumatic injuries, swelling and pain due to blood stasis, amenorrhea, and dysmenorrhea. It also relieves pain by dispelling wind, helping alleviate symptoms such as rheumatic bi syndrome, lower back and leg pain, and joint stiffness. It is often combined with herbs like Angelica pubescens (Duhuo), Achyranthes root (Niuxi), and Siler (Fangfeng). Additionally, it invigorates the meridians and collaterals, improving local swelling, pain, and general fatigue caused by meridian blockage.