Bái Xiān Pí (白鲜皮) — Dictamnus Root Bark

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Modern research
5. Cautions and contraindications
6. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Bái Xiān Pí (白鲜皮) is the root bark of Dictamnus dasycarpus, the densely fruited dittany. It belongs to the category of Herbs that clear heat and resolve toxicity in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important herbs in Chinese herbal medicine for chronic Damp-Heat skin conditions, especially weeping itchy rashes, eczema and psoriasis.

I prescribe Bái Xiān Pí as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Clears heat, dries Damp and resolves toxicity
2. Stops itching from Damp-Heat and Wind-Heat in the skin
3. Dispels Wind and unblocks the channels

Indications

1. Damp-Heat eczema with itching, oozing and yellow crusts
2. Chronic psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis with heat and itch
3. Generalised pruritus and chronic urticaria
4. Damp-Heat painful obstruction (Bi syndrome) with red, swollen joints
5. Damp-Heat jaundice as a supporting herb

4. Modern research

Dictamnus root bark contains furoquinoline alkaloids (dictamnine, γ-fagarine, skimmianine), limonoids and sesquiterpenes. Studies report anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal and antihistamine activity. The herb is a cornerstone of the Chinese herbal eczema literature, including the well-known Mostofsky and Sheehan dermatology trials.

5. Cautions and contraindications

Use with caution in patients with cold-deficient Spleen patterns. Hepatotoxicity has been reported in rare cases at high or prolonged doses; baseline liver function tests are advisable when used long-term, and the herb is best avoided in patients with pre-existing significant liver disease. Always prescribed at conservative doses in my clinic.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).

6. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Bái Xiān Pí as part of tailored herbal formulas for chronic eczema, plaque and guttate psoriasis, chronic urticaria, and stubborn itchy seborrhoeic patches. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and any prior liver investigations.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.

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