What is Dittany Root Bark (Bai Xian Pi) in TCM ?
In the vast pharmacopeia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dittany Root Bark (Bai Xian Pi) stands as one of the most celebrated herbs for its wide-ranging health benefits. As an ancient remedy, Bai Xian Pi has been used for centuries to address a variety of ailments, most notably skin-related issues, detoxification, and supporting the immune system. Derived from the bark of the Cortex Dictamni tree, this herb is highly regarded for its ability to clear heat, expel dampness, and promote healthy skin.
Health Benefits of Bai Xian Pi
1. Clears Heat and Dries Dampness
One of the primary actions of Bai Xian Pi in TCM is its ability to clear heat and expel dampness. In TCM terms, "heat" often refers to inflammation or infection, while "dampness" is linked to excess fluid accumulation in the body, which may cause swelling, heaviness, or even infection. Bai Xian Pi is particularly useful for addressing conditions where there is heat and dampness combined, such as eczema, dermatitis, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
2. Treats Skin Conditions
The bark of Dittany Root is a go-to herb for various skin ailments. It is commonly prescribed for treating eczema, hives, and boils. Its powerful detoxifying properties help to remove toxins from the body, which often manifest on the skin in the form of rashes, pus-filled lesions, or itchy patches. In clinical practice, Bai Xian Pi is also used to treat fungal infections like tinea or candida, as its anti-fungal properties make it effective in killing pathogens.
3. Expels Wind and Damp
In TCM, the concept of wind-dampness refers to environmental or internal conditions that lead to pain, swelling, and mobility issues. Bai Xian Pi is used to treat cases where wind-dampness affects the muscles and joints, leading to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or swollen joints. It works to reduce swelling, clear heat from the body, and relieve pain in the affected areas.
4. Detoxifies the Blood
Bai Xian Pi is also a potent blood detoxifier. It helps to purify the bloodstream, removing harmful toxins that can lead to skin eruptions, fever, and even swelling in the body. This is one of the reasons it is highly valued in cases of toxic sores and abscesses, where the herb helps not only to alleviate pain but also to speed up the healing process.
5. Supports the Immune System
By reducing internal inflammation and clearing toxins, Bai Xian Pi offers secondary support to the immune system. It strengthens the body’s natural defenses against invading pathogens, making it a vital herb for individuals prone to infections, including bacterial and fungal infections. Regular use of Bai Xian Pi helps the body stay resilient against common illnesses while enhancing overall well-being.
Mechanisms of Bai Xian Pi in TCM
Clearing Heat from the Blood
In TCM, heat in the blood refers to conditions where excessive inflammation or toxins circulate in the bloodstream, causing symptoms like rashes, bleeding, or fever. Bai Xian Pi works by cooling the blood, reducing inflammation, and helping to restore balance within the body’s internal systems. This cooling effect also explains its popularity in treating skin conditions such as eczema and boils, which are often the result of heat in the blood.
Expelling Dampness
When the body holds on to excessive fluid, it creates an internal environment that fosters infection, inflammation, and pain. Bai Xian Pi promotes the removal of these fluids by stimulating the body’s natural detoxification processes. In TCM terms, this process is known as expelling dampness. This is crucial for treating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, where fluid accumulation around the joints leads to swelling and stiffness.
Dispelling Wind-Damp Bi Syndrome
Bi syndrome in TCM refers to pain caused by obstructions in the flow of Qi (life energy) and blood due to the invasion of wind, cold, and dampness. When wind-damp bi is present, it manifests as joint pain, swelling, or stiffness. Bai Xian Pi helps alleviate these symptoms by expelling wind-damp, thus restoring the smooth flow of Qi and blood. This makes it a valuable herb for addressing chronic pain conditions such as arthritis or gout.
Topical Application
For treating skin conditions like eczema or boils, Bai Xian Pi can be used in a topical form, such as an ointment or cream. When applied directly to the affected area, it provides immediate relief from itching and inflammation while promoting faster healing.
Herbal Information on Dittany Root Bark, Unsulfured in Cut Form
Common Name: Dittany Root Bark
Botanical Name: Dictamnus dasycarpus root bark
Channels/Merdians: Spleen, Stomach, Bladder
Other Names: Burning Bush Root, Dictamni Radicis Cortex
Pin Yin Name: Bai Xian Pi, unsulfured
Other Ingredients: None
Package Size: 1.1 lbs
Form: Cut Unsulfured
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. May cause nausea, dizziness or stomach upset. Avoid with underlying conditions of diarrhear or cold-dampness.
Naturally Occurring Components: dictamnine, skimmianine, y-fagarine, preskimmianine, isomaculosindine, limonin, dictamnolactone, obakunone, dasycarpamin, obacunonic acid, fraxinellone, trigonelline, choline, b-stosterol, acidic substances, saponins
Additional Information
- Contains antifungul properties
- Clears heat and dry dampness
- Removes toxicity
- Dispels wind
Product Properties: Bitter, Cold
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About Plum Flower Quality Herbs
Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results.
- Manufactured using Unsulfured, Chlorine free, Aluminum Phosphate free herbs when possible.
- Microbials and heavy metals tested. No preservatives.
Manufacture's Statement: It is important to note that Plum Flower formula extract powders do not contain any excipients. They are spray-dried directly from the condensed herbal decoction, and the resulting powder is the natural yield of the formulation. Individual herbs can vary significantly in the amount of dissolved solids they yield during extraction. Many do not have the needed substance to form a powder, and our single herb extract powders contain a pharmaceutical-grade, non-GMO corn-based dextrin when necessary.
Traditional Chinese Herbs
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as an added feature to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs (Teas) emphasize harmony, and balance.
Reference:
alternativehealing.org
https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/bai-xian-pi
https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/BaiXianPi.html
