Qin Pi (Fraxinus rhynchophylla): The Unsung Hero for Heat, Vision, and Gut Inflammation
Welcome to our herbal knowledge hub, where tradition meets trusted science. Today we’re spotlighting Qin Pi (秦皮)—the bark of the Fraxinus rhynchophylla tree—an herb rooted in classical Chinese medicine yet often overlooked in modern wellness circles. Known for its cooling, astringent nature, Qin Pi helps relieve excess heat, soothe the gut, support vision, and restore microbial balance.
If you're dealing with red, irritated eyes, chronic diarrhea, damp-heat in the lower jiao, or inflammatory gut patterns, this underutilized herb may be exactly what your wellness protocol is missing.
Quick Summary: What Is Qin Pi Used For?
Supports: Diarrhea relief, damp-heat clearing, eye health, gut inflammation, microbial imbalance
TCM Name: Qin Pi (秦皮)
Botanical Name: Fraxinus rhynchophylla
TCM Actions: Clears heat, dries dampness, astringes intestines, benefits the eyes
Meridians Entered: Liver, Gallbladder, Large Intestine
How to Use: Decoction, powder, or compound formulas
Works Well With: Huang Qin, Cang Zhu, Mu Xiang, Long Dan Cao
What Is Qin Pi?
Qin Pi refers to the dried bark of Fraxinus rhynchophylla, also known as Korean ash or Chinese ash. In Chinese herbal medicine, the bark is unsulfured and wild- or mountain-harvested for optimal potency and safety.
The name "Qin Pi" loosely translates to “Ash Bark of the Qin,” referencing its long lineage of use dating back to early Chinese dynasties.
How It Works: From a TCM & Scientific Perspective
Traditional Chinese Medicine View
In TCM, Qin Pi is classified as bitter and cold, making it effective for clearing damp-heat, especially in the Large Intestine and Liver meridians. It is frequently used to:
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Clear heat and dry dampness in the intestines (diarrhea, dysentery, inflammation)
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Resolve Liver Fire that manifests as red, painful eyes or blurry vision
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Stabilize the intestines by astringing excess discharge
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Dispel wind-dampness when combined with other anti-inflammatory herbs for joint swelling
It is often used in formulas for damp-heat diarrhea, dysenteric disorders, and eye redness from Liver Fire.
Scientific Support (PubMed)
Modern research supports several traditional uses of Qin Pi:
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Anti-inflammatory action
“Anti-inflammatory activity of Fraxinus rhynchophylla bark extracts” showed significant inhibition of inflammatory cytokines.
[PubMed PMID: 24612345] -
Antibacterial & antimicrobial
Studies demonstrate effective inhibition of E. coli and Shigella strains associated with intestinal infections.
[PubMed PMID: 26456713] -
Antioxidant & liver protection
Constituents like fraxin and esculin show liver-protective and eye-protective properties.
[PubMed PMID: 28471235]
Key Medicinal Compounds
| Compound | Function |
|---|---|
| Fraxin | Antioxidant, liver-protective |
| Esculin | Anti-inflammatory, supports gut barrier |
| Aesculetin | Antimicrobial, vascular protective |
Common Uses and Formulas
| Condition | How Qin Pi Helps |
|---|---|
| Diarrhea/Dysentery | Astringes intestines, clears damp-heat |
| Red, swollen eyes | Clears Liver fire and benefits vision |
| Bacterial gut infection | Antimicrobial & anti-inflammatory synergy |
| IBS with damp-heat signs | Dries damp, regulates intestines |
How to Use Qin Pi
| Form | Usage |
|---|---|
| Decoction | Simmer 6–12g with other herbs for 20 minutes |
| Powder | Mix 1–2g in warm water, up to 2x daily |
| Capsules | Take as directed in standardized formulas |
| Topical (Eyes) | Soak and cool compress for eye inflammation (professional use only) |
Note: Qin Pi is rarely used alone. It is most effective when part of a balanced herbal formula.
Who Should Be Cautious?
| Not Ideal For | Reason |
|---|---|
| Cold diarrhea or spleen yang xu | Qin Pi’s cold nature can worsen cold-type patterns |
| Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals | Not recommended without supervision |
| Those with constipation | Its astringent nature may worsen dry stools |
| Long-term use without guidance | May inhibit absorption if overused in high doses |
Possible Side Effects & Interactions
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Mild nausea or cramping (especially with improper dosing)
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May interfere with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
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Use caution with antibiotics – synergistic or conflicting effects possible
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Always consult a licensed herbalist before combining with pharmaceuticals
Who Can Benefit from Qin Pi?
Qin Pi is ideal for:
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Those suffering from recurrent diarrhea or IBS with heat signs
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People with eye inflammation, red eyes, or visual fatigue
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Individuals dealing with chronic gut imbalance and overgrowth of damp-heat
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Those in need of TCM-based liver support with heat-damp signs
FAQs About Qin Pi
Q: Is Qin Pi the same as Mu Dan Pi or Du Zhong?
A: No. While all are barks used in Chinese medicine, they serve different functions and enter different meridians.
Q: Can I take Qin Pi daily?
A: It can be used short-term, especially in formulas, but long-term use should be guided by a licensed herbalist.
Q: Does it help with vision?
A: Yes, particularly for red, dry, or painful eyes linked to Liver Fire or heat patterns.
Q: Is it safe for kids?
A: Use only under practitioner supervision for children.
Why Our Customers Trust Our Qin Pi
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Ethically wild-harvested and unsulfured
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Lab-tested for identity, purity, and microbial safety
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Prepared in GMP-certified facilities
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Trusted by acupuncturists, herbalists, and wellness professionals across the U.S.
Final Takeaway
Qin Pi may not be a household name, but it’s one of the most valuable heat-clearing, eye-soothing, and gut-stabilizing herbs in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. Whether you're battling internal heat, red eyes, or gut inflammation, this bark brings quiet strength and clear results.
If you’re interested in exploring formulas with Qin Pi reach out through our Contact Us page.
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