Cortex Meliae (Kulianpi)

Naming
Ku Lian Pi (Cortex Meliae)-Ming Yi Bie Lu (Miscellaneous Records of Famous physicians)

Origin
The dry bark and root cortex of the tree Melia azedarach L. or M. toosendan Sieb. et. Zucc. of family Meliaceae.

Location
The former is in most areas of China and latter mainly in Sichuan, Hubei, Guizhou provinces in China.

Harvest
Collected in the four seasons, better in spring and autumn.

The actual smell and taste
Bitter without unpleasant smell.

Best quality
The root cortex is dry, thick and large; the bark is smooth, difficult in peeling off and tender with holes.

Processing
Peeled and scraped cork and washed; fresh or sliced.

Property
Bitter, cold, toxic; liver, spleen and stomach meridians entered.

Actions
Expel parasites, treat tinea.

Indications
A. Ascariasis, enterobiasis and ancylostomiasis
This herb is bitter and cold with toxicity and strong in expelling parasites and treating various intestinal parasitic worms, especially for roundworm. It is used in decoction, extra or pills, tablet and syrup in treating ascariasis. It is often combined with other parasites-expelling herbs, such as with Shi Jun Zi and Semen Arecae (Binglang) in Hua Chong Wan from Quan Guo Zhong Cheng Yao Chu Fang Ji (Collection of National Prescriptions of Chinese Patent). For enterobiasis, it is decocted with Bai Bu and Wu Mei and concentrated using in enema at night for consecutive 2~4 days. For ancylostomiasis, it is decocted with Shi Liu Gen Pi in Lian Liu Er Pi Yin from Hubei Yao Wu Zhi (Materia Medica of Hubei Province).

B. Scabies, tinea, Eczema
This herb clears heat and dries dampness, kills worms and relieves itching. For itching due to scabies, tinea capitis and eczema, it is ground into powder and applied on the affected area mixed with vinegar or pig fat.

Dosage and Administrations
Decoct 4.5g~9g, 15~30g of fresh herb; appropriate dosage for external application.

Cautions
Do not take in an excessive dose or long because of its toxicity. Decoct it long on a slow fire because the curative ingredients are difficult in dissolving.