State/School

California License Exam, Pacific College Comps

Pharm Name

Ailanthi Cortex

Common Name

Chinese Tree-of-Heaven Bark

Category

Stabilize and Bind

Ingredients

Taste

Bitter, Astringent

Pao Zhi

Temperature

Cold

Action / Indication

1. Clears damp-heat and astringes the lower jiao: used to treat chronic diarrhea or dysentery with blood or pus in the stool, and damp-heat vaginal discharge. May also be used for cancers of the throat, nose, cervix, and rectum, and for postpartum rectal prolapse.
2. Kills parasites: used to treat intestinal parasites, and skin fungus, including tinnea rash. Take low doses internally for parasites. Use topically for the skin.

Treatment Principles

Clears Damp-Heat
Astringes in the Lower Jiao
Stops Diarrhea
Kills Parasites
Treats Cancer

Contraindication

Cold from deficient Spleen and Stomach or Kidney yin deficiency.

Dosages

3-5g, decocted. Use externally as a wash or ointment. Use charred to stop diarrhea. Excessive use may cause nausea or vomiting.

Meridians

LI, ST

Tom's Comment

1. Chun Pi is a commonly used ingredient for damp heat vaginal discharge. Often combined with Huang Bai, Bai Xian Pi, etc.
2. Chun Pi's ability to kill parasites externally is due to its ability to clear the damp heat environment locally that foster the fungus.

Source

Formula Type