Herb Herbs that stabilize and bind

Wu Bei Zi

Chinese Gall | 五倍子

Melaphis chinensis, Rhus chinensis Mill, Rhus potaninii Maxim or Rhus punjabensis

TCM Properties

Temperature

Cold

Taste

Pungent, Sour

Organ Affinity

Kidneys, Large Intestine, Lungs

Parts Used

The dried parasite gall

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Wu Bei Zi

Traditional Actions

Astringes Lung Qi and clear Lung Heat.
Astringes the Intestines and stop diarrhea.
Stop sweating, bleeding and exudations.

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Wu Bei Zi belongs to the 'Herbs that stabilize and bind' category. This category of herbs is used for treating abnormal discharges and displacement of Organs. This includes conditions such as diarrhea, discharges from the vagina, penis or rectum as well as prolapse of the Uterus or rectum. It is important to note that herbs in this category only treat symptoms, so one should also use herbs to treat the underlying Deficiency.

 

Furthermore Wu Bei Zi is Cold in nature. This means that Wu Bei Zi 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 Wu Bei Zi can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

 

Wu Bei Zi also tastes Pungent and Sour. 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. Pungent ingredients like Wu Bei Zi tends to promote the circulations of Qi and Body Fluids. That's why for instance someone tends to sweat a lot when they eat spicy/pungent food. On the other hand Sour ingredients help with digestion and restrain abnormal discharges of Fluids from the body, such as diarrhea or heavy sweating.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Wu Bei Zi is thought to target the Kidney, the Large intestine and the Lung. According to TCM, the Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. The Large Intestine on the other hand receives the "impure" parts of the digested food from the Small Intestine, absorbs the remaining fluids and excrete the remainder as feces. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body.

Common Applications

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Wu Bei Zi

Traditional Preparation

Collect the gall before the parasite is hatched, boiled and dried

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

3-5g

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Wu Bei Zi

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Wu Bei Zi may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

Related Educational Resources

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