Huang Bai (Cortex Phellodendri)

Huang Bai

Huang Bai (Cortex Phellodendri) is from the bark of a deciduous arbor, Phellodendrou amurense Rupr. or P. chinense Schneid. The bark is cleaned of rough skin and then sun dried. It is cut into pieces and used in this form or after stir-baking with salt solution or wine.

Category: Heat-clearing and Damp resolving.

Common Name: Phellodendrum Bark or Amur Cork-Tree Bark.

Channels Entered: Kidney, Urinary Bladder and Large Intestine.

Properties and Functions: Huang Bai (Cortex Phellodendri) is bitter and cold. Its functions are: clearing Heat and drying Dampness. Draining deficient fire and additionally draining fire to eliminate toxins.

Indications: Clinically, Huang Bai is used for Damp-Heat type syndromes of the lower jiao. Other indications include Kidney Yin deficiency and excess Kidney Fire. The main manifestations are steaming bone disorder, fever and night sweats. The other main indication is for Fire toxin-generated sores and Damp type skin lesions.

Dosage: 3 – 12g

Cautions and Contra-Indications: The bitter, cold nature easily injures Stomach Qi, therefore, it should not be used in cases of Cold due to deficiency in the Spleen or Stomach.