Herb Herbs that stabilize and bind

Chun Pi

Ailanthus barks | 椿皮

Ailanthus altissima

TCM Properties

Temperature

Cold

Taste

Bitter, Pungent

Organ Affinity

Stomach, Large Intestine

Parts Used

The dried bark

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Chun Pi

Traditional Actions

Clear Heat
Dry Dampness
Astringe genital discharges and leakages
Stop diarrhea
Stop bleeding

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Chun Pi 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 Chun Pi is Cold in nature. This means that Chun 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 Chun Pi can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

 

Chun Pi also tastes Bitter and Pungent. 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 Chun Pi tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. On the other hand Pungent ingredients tend 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.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Chun Pi is thought to target the Stomach and the Large intestine. In TCM the Stomach 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 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.

Common Applications

Diarrhea Yellow leukorrhea Menorrhagia Dysfunctional uterine bleeding

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Chun Pi

Traditional Preparation

Collect the bark, clean and dry

Recommended Dosage

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

3-6g

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Chun Pi

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, Chun Pi 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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