Zōng Lǘ Pí (棕榈皮) — Palm fibre
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Zōng Lǘ Pí (棕榈皮) — Trachycarpus fortunei — is known in English as Palm fibre. It belongs to the category of herbs that astringe and stop bleeding 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 Zōng Lǘ 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 | Zōng Lǘ Pí |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 棕榈皮 |
| Latin name | Trachycarpus fortunei |
| English name | Palm fibre |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Bitter, astringent |
| Channels entered | Liver, Lung, Large Intestine |
| Category | Regulate the blood |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Astringes and stops bleeding
Indications
- Heavy uterine bleeding and prolonged menstrual loss
- Blood in the stool and bleeding haemorrhoids
- Nosebleed and coughing of blood
4. Key formulas containing Zōng Lǘ Pí
Zōng Lǘ 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
Palm fibre is usually used charred (Zong Lu Tan) to enhance its haemostatic action. It contains tannins, consistent with an astringent effect. Research is minimal and it is used strictly within formulas.
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 Zōng Lǘ Pí in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
It is purely astringent and does not address the cause of bleeding, so it is combined with herbs that treat the underlying pattern. All unexplained or heavy bleeding requires urgent medical assessment.
Pattern contraindications
Not appropriate where bleeding is accompanied by marked Blood stasis, as astringing alone may worsen stagnation.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Zōng Lǘ 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 Zōng Lǘ Pí within tailored formulas for bleeding patterns, always alongside proper medical investigation.
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.
