Description

Deciduous tree growing to 39 ft (12 m). Has compound leaves with 7 lance-shaped leaflets, clusters of green flowers, and round berries.

Habitat & Cultivation

Huang bai is native to China, Japan, and Korea, and is cultivated in northeastern China. The bark of 10-year-old trees is collected in spring.

Part Used

Bark.

Constituents

Huang bai contains isoquinoline alkaloids (including berberine), sesquiterpene lactones, and plant sterols. Due to its alkaloid content, huang bai is antimicrobial and antibiotic.

History & Folklore

Listed in the Divine Husbandman’s Classic (Shen’nong Bencaojing), of the 1st century CE, huang bai was regarded as an herb to be used with care.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Strongly bitter, huang bai is used within Chinese herbal medicine to “drain damp heat.” It is prescribed for conditions such as acute diarrhea, jaundice, vaginal infection (including trichomonas), and certain skin conditions. It is also given for urinary system disorders such as frequent urination, pain, and infection.

Research

Clinical trials in China indicate that the bark is useful in the treatment of meningitis and conjunctivitis.

Cautions

Take huang bai only under professional supervision. Do not take huang bai during pregnancy.