Piper martinii C.DC.
Aliases：Shí Nán Téng (Stone South Vine), Shí Lóu (Stone Vine), Pá Yán Xiāng (Rock-climbing Fragrance), Xiǎo Máo Jǔ (Small Hairy Pepper), Róng Máo Hú Jiāo (Velvet Pepper), Chuān Bì Fēng (Wall-penetrating Wind), Jiǔ Bǐng Téng (Wine Cake Vine), Niàn Sì Zhèng (Twenty-four Syndromes), Shàng Shù Fēng (Tree-climbing Wind).
Shí Jǔ is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried branch and leaf of Piper martinii C.DC., a plant belonging to the genus Piper of the family Piperaceae. This plant is a climbing vine with longitudinally ridged branches and stiff hairs. The leaves are papery, ovate-lanceolate or narrowly elliptic, with a pungent, spicy odor. It commonly grows along streams in dense or sparse forests, often climbing on trees or rocks.
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels wind-dampness; disperses cold and relieves pain; relieves cough; treats malnutrition (Xiao Ji).
Indications
Indicated for wind-dampness arthralgia (rheumatic joint pain), cold and painful lower back and knees, traumatic swelling and pain, chronic cough due to overstrain, and infantile malnutrition (Xiao Ji). It may also be used for wind-cold-dampness arthralgia, stomach cold pain, dysmenorrhea, wind-cold cough and wheezing, hernia pain, and other conditions.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects: Inhibits COX-2 enzyme activity, reduces prostaglandin E2 levels, and alleviates rheumatic and joint pain. Its alkaloid components exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Antibacterial effects: Extracts show inhibitory effects against pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. Expectorant and antitussive effects: Helps relieve cough with profuse phlegm. Antioxidant effects. Antitumor effects. Improvement of microcirculation: Active components can dilate capillaries and alleviate peripheral circulation disorders.
Ingredients
Volatile oils. Alkaloids. Flavonoid glycosides. Phenols.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 6–15 g. For external use: apply an appropriate amount of fresh herb, crushed and applied topically to the affected area.
Contraindications
This product is warm in nature and slightly toxic; excessive use should be avoided. Use with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Use with caution in patients with Yin deficiency and fire excess. Do not apply to broken skin for external use. Avoid cold, raw, and spicy, greasy foods during the medication period. Regular monitoring of liver and kidney function is recommended; avoid long-term, high-dose use.
Selected Formulas
For wind‑dampness impediment (bi syndrome) (empirical formula) Take Shiju (a local herb), combine with Qianghuo (Notopterygium), Duhuo (Angelica pubescens), and Weilingxian (Clematis root). Decoct in water and drink. For cold pain in the lower back and knees (empirical formula) Take Shiju, combine with Duzhong (Eucommia bark), Sangjisheng (Taxillus), and Niuxi (Achyranthes root). Decoct in water and drink. For traumatic swelling and pain (empirical formula) Take Shiju, combine with Danggui (Angelica), Chuanxiong (Ligusticum), and Chishao (Red peony root). Decoct in water and drink. For chronic cough due to overstrain (empirical formula) Take Shiju, combine with Xingren (Apricot seed) and Gancao (Licorice). Decoct in water and drink. For infantile malnutrition (gan) (empirical formula) Take Shiju, combine with Shanzha (Hawthorn) and Maiya (Malt). Decoct in water and drink. For joint pain (Zhejiang Folk Common Herbal Medicine) Take 30–60g of fresh Shanju (Shiju), decoct in water and drink.
Medicinal Parts
Dried branches and leaves.
Selection & Storage
Store in a ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture.
