$6.95 USA Shipping • 90-Day Hassle-Free Returns

Home » Lei Gong Teng – Broad Lily Root – Radix Tripterygii

Lei Gong Teng – Broad Lily Root – Radix Tripterygii

No matching products found.

Lei Gong Teng

English Name: tripterygium, common broad lily root

Literal Translation: “thunder god vine”

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Tripterygii Wilfordii

Medica Category: Wind Damp Dispelling Herbs – Pain Relieving Herbs

Properties: Lei Gong Teng enters the Liver channel; it is bitter and acrid in nature and cool in temperature.

What is Lei Gong Teng?:

The Chinese Herb Lei Gong Teng is the inner, dried root of the thunder god vine (Tripterygii Wilfordii Hook. F.), a perennial grown in China and Taiwan. It has been used for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine to treat swelling caused by inflammation. But it does have significant toxicity and must be used carefully and in consult with a trained health care practitioner (see **safety note).

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Lei Gong Teng:

Lei Gong Teng dispels wind and dampness and is useful in addressing pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, various manifestations of bi zheng (painful obstruction syndrome), and bone spurs.

Lei Gong Teng kills parasites and eliminates toxins and is used topically to treat maggot-infested wounds as well as rat and snake bites that present toxicity signs.

**safety note: Lei Gong Teng is toxic (Dr. Joel Penner of American Dragon considered the herb “obsolete”) and should be used with thought and care, ideally prescribed by someone experienced in TCM. It is contraindicated in pregnancy, and for patients with pre-existing and/or compromised hepatic and/or cardio-vascular functioning. It should also be used with care in geriatric and pediatric applications.

Proper dosing is also key—5 to 12 grams is the dosage range recommended in Chen and Chen (not to exceed 15 g.).

Sourcing of this herb and its extracts is also to be done with care. Properly prepared its toxicity can be reduced: the root bark should first be peeled and discarded before drying and slicing. When decocting, the (peeled) root should be boiled by itself for at least one hour before other herbs are added and then decocted another 15 minutes to further reduce toxicity. Therefore, it important to know your suppliers/work in consult with someone who does if you are a non-professional/consumer thinking of purchasing and using this herb.

In cases of overdose, adverse reactions generally occur within 2-3 hours and present with a panoply of symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea to headaches, fever, and vomiting (not an exhaustive list). Early overdose is treated with emetic methods or gastric lavage (to eliminate the toxins from the body) while systemic overdose is generally treated with Feng Wei Cao or San Qi.

Articles Related To Tag: Lei Gong Teng – Broad Lily Root – Radix Tripterygii

  • The Best Chinese Herbs for Stress Relief

    According to the American Institute of Stress, 94% of Americans claim to experience chronic stress. Can Chinese herbs for stress help with this overwhelming epidemic? From work deadlines to family commitments to financial challenges, stress seeps into our daily lives from all angles. While triggers can span from mild issues like your traffic-heavy commute to…

  • The Best Chinese Herbs for Dental and Oral Health 

    Oral health is not just about keeping your pearly whites sparkling; your mouth is a gateway to the health of your whole body! But when was the last time you focused on improving your oral health? Beyond daily brushing and flossing, there are many ways to heal your mouth – including Chinese herbs for oral…

  • 15 Herbal Formulas to Conquer Spring Allergy Symptoms

    Winter’s chill is fading, allowing Spring to burst through with new life. Unfortunately for many people, this change in seasons also signals the start of sniffling noses, congested chests, itching eyes, and relentless coughs. It’s allergy season. As we embrace the beauty of the spring season (with tissues in hand), it’s also time to explore…

  • The Best Chinese Herbs for Hay Fever

    Have you ever found yourself sniffling and sneezing with watery eyes as the flowers begin to bloom and the trees regain their leaves? If so, you’re likely one of the many experiencing the seasonal affliction known as hay fever. Hay fever (also known as seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis) affects over a quarter of all…

  • The Best Chinese Herbs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

    Stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, oh my! These may sound like the symptoms of a stomach bug, but for the 45 million Americans who struggle with IBS, they are a common part of daily life. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is more than just occasional digestive discomfort. It is a chronic condition that can significantly impact your…