Qín Pí (秦皮) — Ash bark
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Qín Pí (秦皮) — Fraxinus rhynchophylla — is known in English as Ash bark. It belongs to the category of herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness 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 Qín 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 | Qín Pí |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 秦皮 |
| Latin name | Fraxinus rhynchophylla |
| English name | Ash bark |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter, astringent |
| Channels entered | Liver, Gallbladder, Large Intestine |
| Category | Clear heat |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Heat and dries Dampness
- Astringes the Intestines and stops diarrhoea
- Clears Liver Heat and brightens the eyes
Indications
- Damp-Heat dysentery and diarrhoea
- Red, swollen, painful eyes
- Vaginal discharge from Damp-Heat
4. Key formulas containing Qín Pí
Qín 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
Ash bark contains coumarins including aesculin and aesculetin, examined preclinically for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. It is a classical component of Bai Tou Weng Tang for dysentery.
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 Qín Pí in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Cold and bitter, so used with caution in Spleen and Stomach deficiency-Cold. Bloody diarrhoea with fever requires prompt medical assessment.
Pattern contraindications
Not appropriate for chronic deficiency-Cold diarrhoea, which requires warming and tonifying treatment.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Qín 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 Qín Pí within tailored formulas for Damp-Heat patterns of the intestines and eyes.
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.
