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Andrographis Herb (Chuan Xin Lian) - Cut Form 1 lb. - Nuherbs
Herbal Information for Andrographis Herb in Cut Form
Di Gu Pi (地骨皮), the dried root bark of Lycium chinense or Lycium barbarum, is a time-honored herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for its ability to clear deficient heat, cool the blood, and support lung and liver function. Unlike herbs that merely suppress symptoms, Di Gu Pi addresses internal imbalances associated with Yin deficiency—making it especially valuable for those experiencing night sweats, chronic low-grade fevers, and dry cough.
Function | Description |
---|---|
Clears Deficient Heat | Treats Yin-deficiency heat manifesting as night sweats, steaming bones, and afternoon fever. |
Cools the Blood | Addresses heat in the blood leading to skin eruptions and internal inflammation. |
Drains Lung Heat and Stops Cough | Used for lung heat cough with thick, yellow phlegm and dry throat. |
Clears Kidney Fire | Useful for chronic low back pain, tidal fevers, and wasting disorders. |
Common Names: Lycium Bark, Wolfberry Root Bark, Wolfberry Cortex
Botanical Name: Lycium Chinese Cortex Radicis, Lycium Barbarum, Lycium Chinense
Chinese / Pin Yin Name: Di Gu Pi
Di Gu Pi Dosage: Consult you healthcare provider for your correct dose.
Di Gu Pi Precautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing.
Di Gu Pi Health Benefits & Information
Therapeutic Indications
Di Gu Pi is a premier herb for conditions such as low-grade afternoon fever, five-center heat, and night sweats, often seen in chronic illness, menopausal transition, or overuse of warming tonics.
This herb is effective in clearing heat from the lungs, stopping dry or blood-streaked coughs, and aiding recovery from tuberculosis or lingering respiratory infections.
Used for hemoptysis, epistaxis, or skin disorders with heat signs. It works synergistically with blood-cooling herbs like Sheng Di Huang or Mu Dan Pi.
In TCM, when Kidney Yin is depleted, internal heat may rise. Di Gu Pi is often included in formulas to drain fire while preserving essence—ideal for chronic fatigue, wasting disorders, or latent heat patterns.
Anti-inflammatory: Demonstrates significant ability to reduce cytokine-driven inflammation.
Antipyretic: Helps lower fever, especially in cases where conventional medications may be too strong.
Hepatoprotective: Promotes liver detoxification and protects against oxidative damage.
Antioxidant: Contains flavonoids and alkaloids that combat free radical activity.
Immunomodulatory: May support immune balance in Yin-deficient conditions or post-viral recovery.
Herb | Best For | Thermal Nature | Meridians |
---|---|---|---|
Di Gu Pi | Deficient heat, steaming bones, night sweats | Cold | Lung, Liver, Kidney |
Zhi Mu | Heat in Qi and Yin deficiency | Cold | Lung, Stomach, Kidney |
Huang Bai | Damp-heat in lower burner, Kidney fire | Cold | Kidney, Bladder, Large Intestine |
Sheng Di Huang | Heat in blood, Yin deficiency | Cold | Heart, Liver, Kidney |
6–15g decocted in water, typically combined with Yin-nourishing herbs.
With Zhi Mu: For night sweats and steaming bone disorder
With Sheng Di Huang and Mu Dan Pi: For blood heat and Yin deficiency
With Sang Bai Pi: For lung heat cough with thick phlegm
Whole dried bark (for decoctions)
Powdered extract
Included in patent formulas like Qing Gu San or Da Bu Yin Wan
Di Gu Pi Properties: Sweet, Neutral, Slightly Bitter, Cold
Di Gu Pi Channels / Meridians: Liver, Lung, Kidney
Di Gu Pi Naturally Occurring Components:
Betaine, Pysalien, Atropine, Scopoletin, Trace Minerals, Zeaxanthin,
Morinda Maca Rehmannia Yam Rhizome Astragalus Rhodiola
Di Gu Pi is one of TCM’s most effective herbs for addressing Yin-deficiency heat, especially when accompanied by night sweats, low-grade fevers, and chronic lung issues. Its sweet and cold nature makes it a versatile herb that clears heat without damaging fluids—a balance often sought but rarely achieved. Whether used alone or in complex formulas, Di Gu Pi offers a natural, time-tested solution to chronic internal heat rooted in depletion.
References
http://alternativehealing.org/qi_zi.htm,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5758351/,
https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Di-Gu-Pi-Cid2341