Sea Tong Skin, also known as Ding Tong Skin, Gu Tong Skin, and Ci Tong Skin, is mentioned in "Southern Plants and Trees". It is the bark of Erythrina variegata L. and Erythrina arborescens Roxb., both of which belong to the Fabaceae family. The bark with thorns is peeled off in early summer and dried in the sun.
[Processing Method] According to "Emergency Prescriptions for Elbow Pain": "Remove the black part on top" and "crack it finely." According to the "Pharmacopoeia": "Remove the rough skin." According to the "Amazing Effective Prescriptions": "Stir-fry." According to the "Universal Salvation Prescriptions": "Soak in alcohol and stir-fry." Currently, the original medicinal material is taken, impurities are removed, soaked in clear water until it is about 60-70% transparent, washed, and then kept moist until it is fully transparent. It is then cut into strips and dried.
[Appearance of the medicinal slices] It is in the form of thread-like slices. The outer surface is light brown or grayish-brown, with longitudinal grooves and yellow pores, and some have thorns. The inner surface is yellowish-brown or reddish-brown, relatively flat, with fine net-like patterns. The cross-section is flaky, hard, and tough. It has a slight fragrance and a slightly bitter taste.
[Processing effects] Sea Tong Skin has a bitter and spicy taste, and is neutral in nature. It enters the liver and spleen meridians. It has the functions of dispelling wind and dampness, relaxing tendons and activating collaterals, and killing insects and relieving itching. This herb is mostly used for rheumatism, joint stiffness, sprains, scabies, and eczema. For example, for the treatment of rheumatism, the Shujing Tang (Prescriptions and Treatments Guidelines) is used; for the treatment of foot spasms that prevent lifting, the Sea Tong Skin Powder is used (Pediatric Health Comprehensive Theory Prescription). Processing makes the medicinal material clean, facilitating the preparation and dissolution of components.
