Chūn Gēn Pí (椿根皮) — Ailanthus bark
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Chūn Gēn Pí (椿根皮) — Ailanthus altissima — is known in English as Ailanthus bark. It belongs to the category of herbs that clear Heat, dry Damp and bind in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Chūn Gēn Pí as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Chūn Gēn Pí |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 椿根皮 |
| Latin name | Ailanthus altissima |
| English name | Ailanthus bark |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter, astringent |
| Channels entered | Large Intestine, Stomach, Liver |
| Category | Stabilise and bind |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Heat and dries Dampness
- Astringes the Intestines and stops chronic diarrhoea
- Stops abnormal vaginal discharge and uterine bleeding
Indications
- Chronic diarrhoea and dysentery with Damp-Heat
- Persistent yellow vaginal discharge
- Uterine bleeding and excessive menstrual loss
- Bleeding haemorrhoids
4. Key formulas containing Chūn Gēn Pí
Chūn Gēn Pí is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Ailanthus bark contains quassinoids and alkaloids, examined preclinically for antimicrobial and antiparasitic activity. It is a strongly binding herb used for short courses.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
No classical incompatibilities are recorded for Chūn Gēn Pí in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Because it is cold and strongly astringent it is used with caution in Spleen deficiency-Cold and is not used in acute infection where a pathogen still needs clearing. Any unexplained uterine bleeding requires medical assessment.
Pattern contraindications
Avoid in early-stage acute dysentery, where binding too soon can trap Damp-Heat.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Chūn Gēn Pí at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Chūn Gēn Pí within tailored formulas for chronic Damp-Heat discharge and diarrhoea patterns.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
