Sāng Bái Pí (桑白皮) — Mulberry 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

Sāng Bái Pí (桑白皮) is the dried root bark of the white mulberry tree, Morus alba. It belongs to the category of Herbs that stop coughing and calm wheezing in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the principal herbs used in Chinese herbal medicine for Lung-Heat cough, wheezing and Heat-pattern oedema. The same tree also yields Sang Ye (the leaf), used for different actions.

I prescribe Sāng Bái Pí as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Drains Heat from the Lung and calms wheezing
2. Promotes urination and reduces oedema

Indications

1. Cough and wheezing with thick yellow phlegm from Lung Heat
2. Heat-pattern asthma in which the chest feels full and the face appears flushed
3. Oedema, especially of the face and upper body, associated with retained fluid and Heat in the upper Burner

4. Modern research

Mulberry root bark contains a wide array of prenylated flavonoids (notably moracenins and morusins), stilbenes, alkaloids (1-deoxynojirimycin), and benzofurans. Pharmacological studies report antitussive, antihypertensive, hypoglycaemic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity. 1-Deoxynojirimycin has been investigated for its α-glucosidase inhibition, relevant to traditional uses in Xiao Ke (diabetes) patterns.

5. Cautions and contraindications

Contraindicated in cold-pattern wheezing and cough with thin clear watery sputum, where the cold nature would aggravate the picture. Use with caution alongside antihypertensives and oral hypoglycaemics, as additive effects are plausible.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

6. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Sāng Bái Pí as part of tailored herbal formulas for productive cough with Lung Heat, wheezing in asthma with heat features, and selected presentations of fluid retention in the upper body. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally.

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