Huang Bo
StarPhellodendron chinense Schneid. / Phellodendron amurense Rupr.
☯ TCM Properties
Clears Heat and dries Dampness; Purges Fire and Resolves Toxicity; Drains Ministerial Fire; Clears Heat and resolves sores
Traditional Chinese Uses
Huang Bo (phellodendron bark) is an intensely bitter, cold herb that targets Damp-Heat in the lower burner. It is a primary herb for vaginal discharge with a yellow or foul odor, urinary burning and pain, and diarrhea from intestinal Damp-Heat. It also clears Fire from Kidney deficiency — the deficiency heat pattern associated with night sweats, afternoon fever, and bone-steaming sensations. Externally, it treats Damp-Heat skin conditions including eczema and sores.
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Phellodendron chinense, and the closely related P. amurense, are deciduous trees in the Rutaceae family, native to East Asia, particularly central and northern China, Korea, and the Amur River region. They typically reach 10-25 meters tall, with a broad spreading crown and thick, deeply furrowed, cork-like grey bark; the inner bark is conspicuously bright yellow and intensely bitter. The opposite, pinnately compound leaves bear 5-13 ovate to lanceolate, acuminate leaflets, each 5-10 cm long, with finely serrate margins and an unpleasant odor when crushed. The trees are dioecious; small yellow-green flowers are borne in terminal panicles in early summer, followed on female trees by clusters of black, pea-sized drupes. In TCM, the inner bark (Huang Bo) is harvested from mature trees and used as a bitter, cold herb to clear damp-heat, drain fire, and detoxify.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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