Yīng Sù Ké (罂粟壳) — Poppy husk
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Yīng Sù Ké (罂粟壳) — Papaver somniferum — is known in English as Poppy husk. It belongs to the category of controlled substances that astringe 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 Yīng Sù Ké 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 | Yīng Sù Ké |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 罂粟壳 |
| Latin name | Papaver somniferum |
| English name | Poppy husk |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sour, astringent; narcotic |
| Channels entered | Lung, Large Intestine, Kidney |
| Category | Stabilise and bind |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Astringes the Lungs and stops chronic cough
- Binds the Intestines and stops chronic diarrhoea
- Relieves pain
Indications
- Historically used for chronic cough and chronic diarrhoea
- Historically used for persistent pain
4. Key formulas containing Yīng Sù Ké
Yīng Sù Ké 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
Poppy husk is the seed capsule of the opium poppy and contains morphine and codeine. It is pharmacologically an opiate, with the associated risks of dependence, respiratory depression and withdrawal.
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.
The drastic water-draining herbs Gan Sui, Yuan Hua and Da Ji are classically incompatible with Gan Cao under the Shi Ba Fan, and Ba Dou with Qian Niu Zi. Since Yīng Sù Ké is not used in practice, the question does not arise clinically.
7. Cautions and contraindications
A controlled substance. Ying Su Ke is not supplied and is illegal to prescribe as a herb in the UK. It is highly addictive and is contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding and in children.
Pattern contraindications
There is no acceptable herbal use in UK practice.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Yīng Sù Ké 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. Availability at my clinic
I do not prescribe Yīng Sù Ké. This page exists for reference and safety information. Chronic cough, diarrhoea or pain are treated with safe, legal herbs and appropriate medical referral.
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.
