The source is from the bark of a deciduous arbor, Phellodendrou amurense Rupr. or P. Chinense Schneid, family Rutaceae. During April and May, the trees are barked and the rough skin is scraped, the left bark being dried in the sun. Usually the crude one is cut into pieces or thin pieces or further stir-baked with salt solution or with wine for medication.

Medicinal Properties:
Bitter in flavor, cold in nature and attributive to the kidney, bladder and large intestine meridians.

Actions:
Clear away heat and remove dampness, purge the sthenic fire and eliminate toxic materials, reduce asthenia-heat and bone steaming.

 

Application
1. It is used for syndromes of dampness-heat type in the lower energizer and very effective in clearing away dampness and heat from the lower energizer.
2. For insufficiency of kidney yin and excessive kidney-fire manifested as hectic fever, night sweat, and emission.
3. It is used for pyocutaneous disease of heat type, carbuncle, furuncle, erysipelas, and burn, etc.