Di Gu Pi (Lycii Cortex): A Powerful Yin-Cooling Herb for Heat, Lung Support, and Deficiency Recovery

Introduction to Di Gu Pi (Lycii Cortex)

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.

Primary Functions and Actions in TCM

Review Di Gu Pi Forms and Sizes Below

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

1. Yin Deficiency with Steaming Bone Syndrome

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.

2. Chronic Lung Heat Cough

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.

3. Excess Heat in the Blood

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.

4. Kidney Fire from Deficiency

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.

How Di Gu Pi Works: Pharmacological Insights

• 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.

Comparison: Di Gu Pi vs. Other Heat-Clearing Herbs

Usage and Preparation

Standard Dosage:

6–15g decocted in water, typically combined with Yin-nourishing herbs.

Common Pairings:

• 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

Forms Available:

• 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, 

Herbs That Combine With Di Gu Pi

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