Huáng Bǎi (黄柏) — Phellodendron Bark

On this page

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

1. Overview

Huáng Bǎi (黄柏) — Phellodendron chinense / amurense — is known in English as Phellodendron bark / Cork tree bark. It belongs to the category of Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Huáng Bǎi 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

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Drains Kidney Fire and clears Empty Heat
2. Clears Damp-Heat — particularly from the Lower Jiao
3. Dries Dampness and resolves toxicity
4. Clears Deficiency Heat (combined with Zhi Mu)

Indications

1. Kidney Yin deficiency with steaming bone disorder, night sweats and afternoon fever
2. Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao — urinary tract infections, vaginal discharge and leucorrhoea
3. Damp-Heat skin conditions — eczema, weeping dermatitis and jaundice
4. Damp-Heat arthritis with hot, red, swollen joints
5. Sperm DNA fragmentation from Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao
6. Menopausal hot flushes from Kidney Yin deficiency with Empty Heat (combined with Zhi Mu)

4. Key formulas containing Huáng Bǎi

Huáng Bǎi is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:

• Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan
• Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
• Er Xian Tang

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Phellodendron bark contains berberine as a primary constituent (alongside Huang Lian), with berberine’s pharmacological profile (antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, insulin sensitising, anti-cancer) fully applicable here. Additionally, phellodendrine and other alkaloids unique to Phellodendron contribute to its anti-inflammatory and androgenic-modulating effects. Research specifically supports use in urinary tract infections, menopausal hot flushes (Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan studies), PCOS (berberine reduces androgens) and inflammatory skin conditions. The formula Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan has been specifically studied for menopausal symptoms with positive outcomes.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Contraindicated in Spleen and Stomach deficiency-Cold. Avoid prolonged high-dose use. Do not use in patients with diarrhoea from Cold. Not recommended in pregnancy.

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.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Huáng Bǎi as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Menopausal symptoms, Urinary tract infections, Sperm DNA fragmentation, Acne. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. 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.