English: Chinaberry root barks
Chinese: 苦楝皮
Parts used: The root bark
TCM category: Herbs that expel parasites
TCM nature: Cold
TCM taste(s): Bitter
Organ affinity: Spleen Stomach Liver
Scientific name: Melia azedarach
Other names: Ku Lian Gen Pi, Melia, Bead tree, Chinatree, Pride of India, Cape lilac, Syringa berrytree, Persian lilac, Indian lilac, White cedar
Use of Ku Lian Pi (chinaberry root barks) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Remove impurities, wash, soak in water, cut thick slices, dry.
Dosage: 4.5-20g
Main actions according to TCM*: Kills parasites in the Intestines. Used topically for tinea and trichomonas vaginitis.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Ku Lian Pi may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Roundworm Threadworm Hookworm Pinworms Vaginal trichomonas infection Tinea Trichomonas vaginitis
Common TCM formulas in which Ku Lian Pi is used*
Hua Chong Wan
Source date: 1148 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Formula key actions: Kills intestinal parasites.
Conditions targeted*: RoundwormAscariasis and others
Ku Lian Pi is a deputy ingredient in Hua Chong Wan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Hua Chong Wan, Ku Lian Pi kills roundworms and pinworms.
Key TCM concepts behind Ku Lian Pi's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ku Lian Pi belongs to the 'Herbs that expel parasites' category. Herbs in this category are used to treat roundworms, tapeworm, hookworm and other intestinal parasites. In most cases, these herbs should be combined with other herbs to assist their action such as 'Purgative herbs that drain downward' or Qi tonics. Typically these herbs should only be prescribed for a short period as they often have some level of toxicity.
Furthermore Ku Lian Pi is Cold in nature. This means that Ku Lian Pi typically helps people who have too much 'Heat' in their body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition Ku Lian Pi can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Ku Lian Pi also tastes Bitter. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like Ku Lian Pi tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Ku Lian Pi is thought to target the Spleen, the Stomach and the Liver. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. The Stomach on the other hand is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. The Liver is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.