Tree of heaven (chun pi)

Ailanthus altissima

Traditionally attributed effects: cools heat, dries dampness and curbs diarrhoea, discharge and bleeding.

Safety notes

Not with cold from deficiency of spleen and stomach or clear kidney yin deficiency. An invasive alien species in Europe. 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 stabilise and bind'. The bark (chun pi) is used for chronic diarrhoea, discharge and bleeding. In the 18th century the tree was brought to Europe and North America as silkworm food and an ornamental and is now a highly invasive species.

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, astringent, cold
Meridians: large intestine, stomach

Attributed effects

For diarrhoea and dysentery from damp heat with fever, yellow discharge, excessive menstruation and uterine bleeding from heat in the blood, and against worms.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 3–6 g a day, usually in a decoction.

Combinations

With huang lian, huang qin and mu xiang for hot dysentery
With huang bai for yellow discharge
With white peony and huang qin for heavy menstruation from heat

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction

Sources

All herbs from Asia →