Herb

Shi Liu Pi

Pomegranate rind | 石榴皮

Also known as:

Shi Liu Ke (石榴壳)

Shi Liu Pi

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Properties

Astringent / Stabilizing herbs (收涩药) · Warm

Traditionally supports*

Digestive Health Chronic Diarrhea Bleeding Disorders Parasite Management

Parts Used

Peel / Rind (皮 pí / 果皮 guǒ pí)

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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About This Herb

Traditional Chinese Medicine background and properties

Herb Description

Pomegranate rind is a strongly astringent herb used primarily for chronic diarrhea and dysentery that has persisted for a long time. It also helps stop bleeding, control excessive vaginal discharge, and has traditional uses against intestinal parasites like tapeworms. It should not be used during the early stages of diarrhea or dysentery, as it works by binding the intestines rather than addressing the root cause of infection.

Herb Category

Astringent / Stabilizing herbs (收涩药) Herbs that astringe the Lungs and bind the intestines (敛肺涩肠药)

Main Actions

  • Astringes the Intestines and Stops Diarrhea
  • Stops Bleeding
  • Expels Parasites
  • Tonifies the Kidneys and Secures Essence
  • Astringes to Stop Vaginal Discharge

How These Actions Work

'Astringes the intestines and stops diarrhea' is the primary action of Shí Liú Pí. Its strongly sour and astringent taste gives it a powerful binding effect on the Large Intestine. This makes it especially useful for chronic, long-standing diarrhea or dysentery that has gone on for weeks or months, where the intestines have become slack and can no longer hold contents properly. It is not appropriate for the early stages of diarrhea when the pathogen still needs to be expelled.

'Stops bleeding' refers to its ability to restrain bleeding through astringency. This applies to blood in the stool, uterine bleeding (including heavy periods and bleeding during pregnancy), and other types of bleeding caused by the body's inability to hold Blood in the vessels. The charcoal-processed form (Shí Liú Pí Tàn) is preferred when the primary goal is stopping bleeding.

'Kills parasites and expels worms' refers to its traditional use against intestinal parasites, particularly tapeworms and roundworms. The rind contains alkaloids that have a paralysing effect on intestinal worms, making it a historically important antiparasitic remedy, often combined with Bīng Láng (betel nut).

'Stabilizes the Kidneys and retains essence' means it helps the body hold onto substances that should not leak out, such as semen. In TCM, the Kidneys govern the storage of essence. When Kidney function weakens, involuntary loss of semen (spermatorrhea) or excessive vaginal discharge can occur. Shí Liú Pí's astringent nature helps tighten these 'gates' and prevent leakage.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony that reveal what's out of balance in the body. Shi Liu Pi is traditionally associated with these specific patterns.

The following describes this herb's classification within Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and is provided for educational purposes only.

Why Shi Liu Pi addresses this pattern

When both Spleen and Kidney Yang are deficient, the body loses its ability to transform and hold fluids in the intestines, resulting in chronic watery diarrhea, sometimes with rectal prolapse. Shí Liú Pí's warm temperature and strongly astringent, sour taste directly counter the slippery, uncontrolled discharge characteristic of this pattern. By entering the Large Intestine and Kidney channels, it binds the intestines to stop diarrhea while also stabilizing the Kidney's 'gate' function. However, as an astringent herb it only addresses the symptom of leakage and must be combined with Yang-warming herbs like Gān Jiāng and Fù Zǐ to treat the root deficiency.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic watery diarrhea, especially early morning or dawn diarrhea

Rectal Prolapse

Rectal prolapse from prolonged diarrhea

Cold Limbs

Cold extremities and aversion to cold

Eye Fatigue

Fatigue and weakness

TCM Properties

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Sour (酸 suān), Astringent (涩 sè), Bitter (苦 kǔ)

Channels Entered
Large Intestine Kidneys
Parts Used

Peel / Rind (皮 pí / 果皮 guǒ pí)

This is partial information on the herb's TCM properties. More detailed information is available on the herb's dedicated page

Product Details

Manufacturing, supplier, and product specifications

Product Type

Granules

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Botanical & Sourcing

Quality Indicators

Good quality Shi Liu Pi should have thick pieces (1.5 to 3 mm), with a reddish-brown to dark brown outer surface showing a slight lustre and numerous small wart-like protrusions. The inner surface should be yellow to reddish-brown with a raised, net-like pattern from the remnant fruit pedicle. The pieces should be hard and brittle, with a yellow, slightly granular cross-section. There should be no odour, and the taste should be distinctly bitter and astringent. Older, aged pieces from mature trees are traditionally preferred (陈久者佳). Avoid pieces that are thin, pale, or that still have significant pulp or seed remnants attached.

Primary Growing Regions

Pomegranate originated in Central Asia (the region around modern-day Iran) and was reportedly introduced to China during the Western Han Dynasty by Zhang Qian, the famous envoy to the Western Regions. It is now cultivated throughout China, north and south. The principal producing regions include Jiangsu, Henan, Anhui (notably Huaibei, famous for its centuries-old Huangli soft-seed pomegranate), Shandong, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Xinjiang. Jiangsu and Henan are noted for the largest cultivation areas. Jiangsu is known for its Crystal Pomegranate (水晶石榴) varieties.

Harvesting Season

Autumn, when the fruit is fully ripe and the top begins to split open naturally.

Supplier Information

Treasure of the East

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Miscellaneous Info

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Usage & Safety

How to use this herb and important safety information

Important Medical Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. This herb is a dietary supplement and has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions.

Recommended Dosage

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Instructions for safe storage and consumption

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Traditional Dosage Reference

Standard

3-10g

Maximum

Up to 15g in decoction for stubborn chronic diarrhea or parasitic infections, under practitioner supervision. Do not exceed this range due to slight toxicity of pomegranate alkaloids.

Notes

Use lower doses (3-6g) for mild chronic diarrhea and as an intestinal astringent. Use higher doses (6-10g) for chronic dysentery, parasitic infections, and significant bleeding conditions. When used as a powder (ground and taken directly rather than decocted), the dose is much lower: 0.5-1g per dose. For external use (skin conditions, wounds, ear infections), no strict internal dosage limit applies. The charcoal-processed form (Shi Liu Pi Tan) has enhanced astringent power and is preferred for severe chronic diarrhea, chronic dysentery, and uterine bleeding.

Processing Methods

Processing method

Stir-fry clean Shi Liu Pi pieces using the charcoal method (炒炭法) until the outer surface is black-yellow and the interior is brown. The pieces should retain their shape and not be fully carbonized.

How it changes properties

Charring enhances the herb's hemostatic (blood-stopping) action while moderating its other properties. The astringent effect becomes more focused on stopping bleeding rather than binding the intestines. The warmth is preserved but the antiparasitic alkaloids are partly degraded.

When to use this form

Choose the charcoal form when the primary treatment goal is stopping bleeding, such as bloody stool, uterine bleeding, or bleeding during pregnancy. The raw (unprocessed) form is preferred for diarrhea, dysentery, and parasites.

Toxicity Classification

Slightly toxic

Shi Liu Pi contains pomegranate peel alkaloids (石榴皮碱, isopelletierine and related compounds) that can be toxic in excessive doses. Symptoms of toxicity include fever, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and a crawling sensation on the skin. In severe cases, calf muscle spasms, generalized convulsions, and collapse may occur. The fruit rind is classified as slightly toxic (小毒), which is much less toxic than the root bark (石榴根皮), which has a higher alkaloid content and is classified as toxic. At standard therapeutic doses (3 to 10g in decoction), the fruit rind is considered safe. The high tannin content can cause gastrointestinal discomfort if taken on an empty stomach or in excessive amounts. The classical instruction to avoid contact with iron vessels during preparation (勿令犯铁) is chemically sound, as the tannins react with iron to form undesirable compounds.

Contraindications

Avoid

Active dysentery or diarrhea with retained pathogenic factors (痢积未尽). The classical text Ben Cao Cong Xin warns that using Shi Liu Pi too early when pathogenic accumulation has not yet been cleared will trap the pathogen inside, worsening the condition. This astringent herb should only be used after the acute pathogenic phase has resolved.

Avoid

Constipation of any type. As a strongly astringent herb, Shi Liu Pi will further bind the intestines and worsen constipation.

Avoid

Acute damp-heat dysentery in the initial stages. The astringent nature of Shi Liu Pi will retain damp-heat pathogens in the intestines, potentially prolonging or worsening the illness. Wait until the pathogen has been substantially cleared before introducing this herb.

Caution

Exterior patterns (common cold or flu) that have not yet resolved. Using astringent herbs during active exterior conditions may trap the pathogen inside the body.

Caution

Excessive dosage. Shi Liu Pi is classified as slightly toxic. Overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, and in severe cases, calf muscle spasms and generalized convulsions.

Caution

Patients with significant Yin deficiency or internal dryness should use with caution, as the warm and astringent nature may aggravate dryness.

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Use with caution during pregnancy. While Shi Liu Pi is classified as only slightly toxic at standard doses, it contains alkaloids (isopelletierine and related compounds) that could potentially affect the fetus. Interestingly, one classical formula (Shi Liu Pi Tang from the Chan Jing Fang) actually uses pomegranate rind with Dang Gui, E Jiao, and Ai Ye for sudden diarrhea during pregnancy, suggesting it was not absolutely forbidden in all classical contexts. However, the astringent and alkaloid-containing nature of this herb warrants caution, and it should only be used during pregnancy under the guidance of an experienced practitioner.

Breastfeeding

No specific classical or modern data directly addresses the safety of Shi Liu Pi during breastfeeding. The herb's alkaloid content (though small in the fruit rind compared to the root bark) raises theoretical concern about transfer through breast milk. The high tannin content could also potentially affect infant digestion. Use only under practitioner guidance and at standard or lower doses if needed while breastfeeding.

Pediatric Use

Can be used in children with appropriate dose reduction proportional to body weight and age. Classical formulas for pediatric parasitic infections (such as pairing with Bing Lang for roundworms) included Shi Liu Pi with dose reduction noted. For children, use roughly one-third to one-half the adult dose depending on the child's age. Due to the slight toxicity, extended use in children should be avoided. The astringent taste is quite bitter, so combining with sugar or honey (if age-appropriate) may improve palatability.

Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 substrates: Pomegranate constituents (punicalagin and related tannins) have been shown in preclinical studies to inhibit intestinal CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 enzymes, potentially increasing the bioavailability and blood levels of drugs metabolized through these pathways. These include many commonly prescribed medications such as certain calcium channel blockers (e.g. nitrendipine), antiretrovirals (e.g. saquinavir), anxiolytics (e.g. buspirone), PDE5 inhibitors (e.g. sildenafil), and antibiotics (e.g. metronidazole). Clinical data are limited, but caution is warranted.

Tannin-drug interactions: The high tannin content (approximately 10% by weight) can bind to and reduce the absorption of concurrently taken oral medications, particularly iron supplements, alkaloid-containing drugs, and certain antibiotics. It is advisable to separate the timing of Shi Liu Pi from other oral medications by at least 1-2 hours.

Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents: While no direct interaction studies exist, the herb's haemostatic (止血) properties could theoretically oppose anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy. Monitor closely if used concurrently with warfarin or similar medications.

Dietary Advice

Avoid iron-rich foods or iron supplements at the same time as taking Shi Liu Pi, as the tannins will bind iron and reduce absorption of both. Avoid cold, raw, and greasy foods while taking this herb for diarrhea or dysentery, as these can counteract its astringent effect. When using Shi Liu Pi for chronic diarrhea, warm and easily digestible foods (congee, cooked grains) are recommended. The classical pairing with brown sugar (砂糖) is said to moderate the astringent nature and harmonize the Stomach.

Cautions & Warnings

Although this formula is typically safe for most individuals, it may cause side effects in some people. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, postpartum women, and those with liver disease should use the formula with caution.

As with any Chinese herbal remedy, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified TCM practitioner before beginning treatment.