Phellodendron Bark

Huang Bai (Phellodendron Bark) – The Ultimate Guide to Its Health Benefits

Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bai) – A Powerful Healing Herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Phellodendron bark, known as Huang Bai (黄柏) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a time-honored herbal remedy renowned for its cooling and detoxifying properties. As one of the key herbs in TCM, Huang Bai is primarily used to clear damp-heat, support liver and kidney health, and combat inflammation, infections, and skin conditions.

What makes Phellodendron bark so important in TCM is its role as one of the "Three Yellows" (San Huang)—a trio of powerful herbs that help clear heat and toxins from the body. Its high concentration of berberine, a potent natural alkaloid, gives it strong antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a valuable herb for treating urinary tract infections, digestive issues, and skin disorders.

Interesting Fact:
Ancient Chinese physicians prescribed Huang Bai as a key herb for "damp-heat" conditions, which in modern terms align with chronic inflammation and metabolic imbalances. Today, modern research supports its traditional use, showing that berberine from Phellodendron bark can help regulate blood sugar and support gut health—bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science.

Health benefits of phellodendron bark, how it is used in traditional Chinese Medicine Discover how this powerful herb can enhance your health and well-being with its centuries-old medicinal benefits.
Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bai) – Health Benefits & Chinese Medicine Theory
Health Benefits

  • Reduces inflammation and fights infections
  • Supports liver and kidney health
  • Balances blood sugar and improves digestion
  • Helps with skin conditions like eczema and acne
  • Protects the cardiovascular system

    Chinese Medicine Theory
  • Clears "Damp-Heat" from the body
  • Drains fire and detoxifies toxins
  • Strengthens the Yin and balances excess Yang
  • One of the "Three Yellows" used to cool internal heat
  • Supports the Kidney, Liver, and Bladder meridians

    Why It Works
  • Rich in Berberine, a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compound
  • Regulates gut microbiome and reduces bad bacteria
  • Acts as a natural antioxidant, protecting cells from damage
  • Supports insulin sensitivity and metabolism
  • Modern research confirms its effectiveness in reducing chronic inflammation

How to Use Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bai)

Phellodendron bark (Huang Bai) is a powerful herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in various forms for different health benefits. Below are the most common ways to prepare and use it:


phellodendron tea, how to brew correctly1. Phellodendron Bark Tea

 Best for: Mild detox, inflammation, digestive health
 How to Make:

  1. Use 1 teaspoon (about 2–3 grams) of dried Phellodendron bark per cup of water.
  2. Boil water and pour over the bark in a cup.
  3. Let it steep for 10–15 minutes.
  4. Strain and drink 1–2 times daily.

 Taste Tip: Phellodendron bark is very bitter. Add honey, licorice root, or cinnamon to balance the flavor.



2. Phellodendron Bark Decoction
(Stronger than tea)

Best for: Stronger detox, infections, inflammation, skin conditions
 How to Make:

  1. Add 1 tablespoon (6–10g) of dried Phellodendron bark to 3 cups of water.
  2. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 30–45 minutes.
  3. Strain and drink 1/2 to 1 cup, 1–2 times daily.

 Storage: Can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.


How to make a tincture from phellodendron bark and how to label3. Phellodendron Bark Tincture (Alcohol Extract)

 Best for: Long-term use, convenient dosing, antibacterial & antifungal support
 How to Make:

  1. Fill a glass jar 1/3 full with dried Phellodendron bark.
  2. Pour vodka or grain alcohol (at least 40% alcohol) over the bark until the jar is full.
  3. Seal and shake daily, letting it sit for 4–6 weeks in a dark place.
  4. Strain and store in a dropper bottle.
  5. Dosage: 20–30 drops (1–2 mL), 1–3 times daily in water.
    Alternative: If avoiding alcohol, use glycerin for a non-alcoholic tincture.

4. Phellodendron Capsules or Powder

 Best for: Daily supplementation, easy to take
 How to Use:

  • Capsules: 500–1000mg, 1–2 times daily, or as directed by a practitioner.
  • Powder: Mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon in warm water, juice, or smoothies.

 Pro Tip: Since it is bitter, mix it with honey, licorice, or lemon juice.


5. Phellodendron Bark Topical Use (Skin Conditions & Wounds)

 Best for: Eczema, acne, fungal infections, wounds, inflammation
 How to Make a Wash:

  1. Prepare a decoction (see above).
  2. Soak a clean cloth in the warm decoction and apply it to the skin.
  3. Use 2–3 times daily.

 How to Make a Salve or Cream:

  1. Mix Phellodendron bark powder into coconut oil, shea butter, or beeswax.
  2. Apply to affected areas for antibacterial and antifungal effects.

6. Phellodendron Foot Soak or Bath

 Best for: Fungal infections, skin detox, inflammation
 How to Make:

  1. Add 1–2 cups of strong decoction to a warm bath.
  2. Soak for 15–20 minutes.
  3. For a foot soak, use ½ cup in warm water and soak for 15 minutes.

Final Notes & Safety Precautions

  • Bitter & Cooling: Phellodendron bark is very bitter and cooling in nature. If you have a cold constitution, combine it with warming herbs like ginger or cinnamon.
  • Avoid During Pregnancy: Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  • Consult a Herbalist: If using long-term or for specific conditions, consult a practitioner.

Phellodendron Bark Benefits & Information

Phellodendron Bark is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb to clear heat, dry dampness, purge fire, remove toxicity and subdue deficiency heat.  Phellodendron Bark benefits digestion, supports cardiovascular health, benefits urinary tract health and promotes skin health.  It has antimicrobial, antibacterial, antipyretic and diuretic effects.
Phellodendron Bark Properties:  Bitter, Cold
Common Name: Phellodendron Bark, Phellodendron Chinense Bark, Amur Cork Tree Bark, Cortex Phellodendri
Botanical Name: Phellodendron Chinense, Phellodendron Amurense
Chinese / Pin Yin Name: Huang Bai, Huang Bo
Phellodendron Bark Dosage: Consult your healthcare provider for your correct dose.
Phellodendron Bark Precautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing.  Do not use with weak stomach or spleen conditions.  May Interfer with Medications

Phellodendron BarkChannels / Meridians:  Large Intestine, Gallbladder, Kidney, Bladder
Phellodendron BarkNaturally Occurring Components:  berberine, jatrorrhizine, magnoflorine, phellodendrine, candicine, palmatine, menisperine, obaculactone, obacunone, obacunonic acid, dictamnolide, lumicaeruliec acid, 7-dehydrostigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, lumicaeruleic acid, dictamnolide

Herbs That Combine With Phellodendron Bark

Astragalus     Shu Di Huang     Huang Qin     Huang Lian     Lian Qiao     Yi Yi Ren

Review Phellodendron Bark Forms and Sizes Below 

References 
https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/huang-bai
http://alternativehealing.org/huang_bai.htm
https://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/amur-cork-tree.html
https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Huang-Bai-Cid1598

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