Ren Dong Teng (Honeysuckle Vine) - Health Benefits, Uses, and Natural Remedies
Ren Dong Teng (Lonicera japonica Stem) – Heat-Clearing Herb for Inflammation, Infection & Detox Support
Ren Dong Teng, commonly known as honeysuckle stem, is a valued herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) renowned for its ability to clear heat, reduce inflammation, and fight infection. Rich in natural antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory compounds, this botanical is traditionally used to treat fevers, sore throats, seasonal flu, and skin conditions. It is especially effective for cooling internal heat, easing swelling, and soothing acute inflammatory responses. Additionally, Ren Dong Teng supports the digestive and urinary systems while enhancing the body's natural detoxification pathways. Its therapeutic benefits include antioxidant protection, antipyretic (fever-reducing), and antispasmodic actions, making it a versatile herb for immune and wellness support.
| Health Benefit | Chinese Medicine Theory | Why It Works (Modern Science) |
|---|---|---|
| Reduces fever and clears heat | Clears internal heat and releases the exterior | Contains antipyretic and anti-inflammatory compounds that help lower body temperature and calm inflammatory responses |
| Supports immune health | Expels wind-heat and eliminates toxins | Rich in antiviral and antibacterial constituents shown to fight infections like colds, flu, and sore throat |
| Soothes sore throat and throat swelling | Disperses wind-heat from the Lung meridian | Contains natural antimicrobial agents that reduce swelling and combat pathogens in the respiratory tract |
| Promotes detoxification | Resolves toxicity and promotes urination | Stimulates liver and kidney function to aid in the elimination of waste and toxins |
| Relieves skin conditions | Clears heat and toxins from the skin | Exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects useful for acne, boils, and rashes |
| Calms digestive upset | Harmonizes the Stomach and clears damp-heat | Promotes gut balance and reduces inflammation in the digestive tract |
| Supports urinary function | Clears damp-heat from the Bladder | Helps relieve urinary discomfort by reducing bacterial load and inflammation |
Comparisons of Herbs
| Herb | Common Name | Main Actions (TCM) | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ren Dong Teng | Honeysuckle Stem | Clears heat, resolves toxicity, relieves inflammation, opens meridians | Sore throat, fever, skin eruptions, mild infections, heat-induced swelling |
| Jin Yin Hua | Honeysuckle Flower | Clears heat and fire toxins, cools blood | Early-stage colds, flu, high fever, boils, abscesses |
| Ban Lan Gen | Isatis Root | Clears heat, cools blood, strongly detoxifies | Acute viral infections, swollen throat, mumps, seasonal flu |
Product Description
Common Name: Honeysuckle Vine
Botanical Name: Lonicera japonica Thunb.
Meridians / Channels: Heart, Lung
Pin Yin Name: Ren Dong Teng
Other Names: Honeysuckle Stem, Lonicera japonica, Thousand pieces of Gold Vine, Left Twisting Vine, Lonicera Vine, Caulis Lonicerae, Ren Dong
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: 100 grams
Form: Powder
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower, species - authenticated herbs
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Do not use with spleen deficiency,
May interfer with medications
Naturally Occurring Components: chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid, loganin, secologanin dimethylacetal, vogeloside, hederagenin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranoside
Did You Know?
-
Ren Dong Teng was historically used during the Tang Dynasty to treat epidemic fevers and heat-related illnesses.
-
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it’s known for "clearing heat and unblocking the channels," making it valuable for both external and internal inflammation.
-
Unlike honeysuckle flower (Jin Yin Hua), the stem is believed to have a more cooling and circulation-enhancing effect on the meridians.
-
It’s often used in TCM herbal formulas for viral infections, fever, and joint swelling, especially when the body shows signs of internal heat and toxicity.
Additional Information: Sweet, Cold
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) this herb is used to clear heat, purge fire and detoxify.
- Supports Healthy Immunity
- Promotes Healthy Digestive System
- Benefits Urinary Health
- Promotes The Body's Natural Detoxification Process
Note: Honeysuckle Flowers have slightly different medicinal properties than Honeysuckle Vine. Consult a health care practitioner for guidance.Chinese herbs have been with mankind for 5,000 years and will be with us in the years ahead – it is using nature’s bountiful gifts to have good health.
Use Honeysuckle Vine & Stem to make a honeysuckle vine decoction or honeysuckle vine tincture.
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
References
