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Meliae Cortex
Chinaberry bark
苦楝皮 〔苦楝皮〕 kǔ liàn pí
Alternate English names: China tree (root) bark Persian lilac (root) bark
Kingdom: Plant
Origin in PRC Pharmacopoeia: Melia toosendan Sieb. et Zucc.; Melia azedarach L. (PRC Pharmacopoeia)
Origin in unofficial sources: Melia azedarach L.; Melia toosendan Sieb. et Zucc.
Use: Medicinal
Category: Worm-expelling agents
Properties: Bitter; cold; toxic.
Channel entry: Liver, spleen, and stomach channels.
Actions and indications:
- Kills worms: Roundworm; pinworm; hookworm.
- Eliminates damp-heat, kills worms, and relieves itching:
Scab ; lichen;damp sores .
Dosage and method: Oral: 6–9g in decoctions. If used fresh, 15–30g may be used. It can also be applied externally.
Warnings: Because this agent is toxic, it should not be used continuously and should not be used in excessive dosages.
Product description: The root bark comes in irregularly sized flat or grooved pieces that are roughly 3–6 mm thick. Its outer surface is grayish brown, marked by conspicuous lenticels and irregular longitudinal grooves, and scales that slough off to reveal a brick-colored inner layer. Its inner surface is pale brown with a longitudinal grain. It fibrous and hard and does not snap easily. The trunk bark is also grayish brown, and flatter than the root bark. It has numerous longitudinal fissures and horizontal lenticels. It is white or pale brown on the inside. It is brittle and breaks easily to reveal a fibrous cut edge.
Quality: The root bark should be thick, stripped of cork, dry, and without signs of rot. The trunk bark should be young and have dense lenticels and smooth outer layer that does not peel easily.
Production area: Sìchuān, Guǎngxī, Guǎngdōng.
Etymology: The name kǔ liàn pí 苦楝皮, literally bitter chinaberry bark,
reflects the bitter flavor of this item.