Korean ash bark (qin pi)

Fraxinus chinensis subsp. rhynchophylla

Traditionally attributed effects: for diarrhoea and dysentery from damp heat, red eyes and cough with heat.

Safety notes

Not with a cold, weak stomach and spleen. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Bark. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that cool heat and dry dampness'. The bark turns water fluorescent blue. It is part of Bai Tou Weng Tang for dysentery and is used as an eye wash for red, swollen eyes.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: bitter, cold
Meridians: liver, gallbladder, stomach, large intestine

Attributed effects

Drains damp heat in diarrhoea and dysentery, cools liver fire in red, painful eyes and cataract, relieves pain from wind-damp-heat in the joints and cough and asthma with heat.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 3–12 g a day, usually in a decoction.

Combinations

With pulsatilla, huang bai and huang lian in bai tou weng tang for hot dysentery

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction
Formulas: Bai tou weng tang

Sources

All herbs from Asia →