Comprehensive Guide to Sang Bai Pi (Morus Alba Cortex) in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Sang Bai Pi, also known as White Mulberry Root Bark or Morus Alba Cortex, has been an integral herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. Derived from the root bark of the white mulberry tree (Morus alba), this herb is well-known for its abilities to clear lung heat, reduce coughs, and promote urination, making it highly valuable in treating respiratory and water retention disorders.
Understanding the Key Benefits of Sang Bai Pi
Clearing Lung Heat and Relieving Cough
Sang Bai Pi is primarily recognized in TCM for its ability to clear heat from the lungs, effectively treating lung heat syndromes. Lung heat is often characterized by dry coughs, yellow phlegm, and wheezing. By dispelling heat, Sang Bai Pi provides relief from these symptoms and helps the lungs regain their natural balance.
Additionally, this herb is frequently prescribed for asthmatic patients who experience wheezing, especially when it's related to heat and inflammation in the lungs. The cooling properties of Sang Bai Pi make it effective in reducing phlegm and relieving shortness of breath.
Promoting Diuresis and Reducing Edema
Another significant application of Sang Bai Pi is its ability to promote diuresis, which helps the body eliminate excess water and toxins. By increasing urine production, Sang Bai Pi is effective in treating edema—a condition characterized by swelling due to fluid retention. This diuretic effect also benefits those suffering from urinary dysfunction or swelling caused by heat.
Managing Hypertension
Recent studies have indicated that Sang Bai Pi may help reduce blood pressure, making it a natural remedy for managing hypertension. This herb works by dilating blood vessels and facilitating better blood flow, which reduces strain on the heart. Its ability to promote urination also helps by removing excess sodium, a common contributor to high blood pressure.
Sang Bai Pi and Skin Health
Sang Bai Pi has also shown promise in treating inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, hives, and psoriasis. When lung heat disrupts the balance in the body, it can manifest through the skin, causing irritation and inflammation. The cooling, anti-inflammatory properties of Sang Bai Pi help reduce these symptoms, making it a valuable addition to topical formulations.
Mechanisms of Action in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Clearing Heat from the Lungs
In TCM, the lungs are considered highly sensitive to external pathogens, particularly wind-heat and dryness. Sang Bai Pi works by clearing heat, which refers to dispelling excess fire or inflammation from the lungs. This mechanism directly addresses issues such as excess phlegm and dry coughs, which are frequently seen in respiratory conditions involving lung heat.
Promoting Urination and Reducing Fluid Retention
Sang Bai Pi is classified in TCM as having diuretic properties that promote the smooth function of the urinary system. It enters the Lung and Bladder meridians, helping to eliminate dampness and reduce swelling. This is particularly useful in cases of edema or ascites where fluid buildup needs to be efficiently drained from the body.
Balancing Qi and Blood Flow
Sang Bai Pi's role in improving Qi flow makes it beneficial for those with stagnation that leads to water retention or poor lung function. By facilitating better blood flow and Qi regulation, the herb helps restore balance, contributing to overall wellness and symptom relief.
Topical Applications
Sang Bai Pi can be incorporated into topical preparations like creams or ointments to address skin conditions. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritated skin, making it ideal for people suffering from chronic skin ailments linked to lung heat.
Combination with Other Herbs
In TCM, Sang Bai Pi is often combined with other herbs to enhance its efficacy. It pairs well with Huang Qin (Scutellaria) and Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena) to clear heat from the lungs more effectively. Additionally, it can be used in formulas with Fu Ling (Poria) to enhance its diuretic properties and promote urination.
Scientific Research Supporting Sang Bai Pi
Several modern studies have validated the traditional uses of Sang Bai Pi. Research has shown its effectiveness in treating respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. The herb’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it an important natural remedy for conditions involving oxidative stress.
Study on Hypertension
One notable study examined the effects of Morus Alba Cortex on blood pressure regulation. The findings suggest that the active compounds in Sang Bai Pi promote vasodilation and improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure levels and reducing the risk of hypertensive complications.
Study on Antioxidant Properties
Another study highlighted the antioxidant activity of Sang Bai Pi, demonstrating that its flavonoids can neutralize harmful free radicals. This makes it an essential herb for preventing oxidative damage, reducing inflammation, and supporting the immune system.
Precautions and Contraindications
While Sang Bai Pi is generally considered safe for most people, certain precautions should be taken:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using this herb unless advised by a healthcare provider.
- People with cold or deficient conditions may experience adverse effects, as the cooling properties of the herb may exacerbate their symptoms.
- Those taking diuretics or blood pressure medications should consult with a healthcare practitioner to avoid potential interactions.
Conclusion
Sang Bai Pi (Morus Alba Cortex) is a powerful and versatile herb that has been used for centuries to treat a range of health issues, from lung heat and coughing to edema and hypertension. Its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and diuretic properties make it a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine. With its ability to balance the lungs, promote urination, and reduce swelling, Sang Bai Pi is a valuable addition to any herbal regimen for improving overall health and well-being.
Herbal Information on Sang Bai Pi in Powder form
Common Name: White Mulberry Bark, Morus alba L.
Botanical Name: Morus alba; Cortex
Pin Yin Name: Sang Bai Pi
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: 1 pound
Form: Powder
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing.
Naturally Occurring Components: Rutin, Quercetin, Morocetin, Astraglin, B-sitosterol, vitamins B1, B2, C, E, Tannin
Additional Information on White Mulberry Bark
- Disperses phlegm from the lungs
- Promotes natural urination
- Benefits the lungs
- Stop cough
Product Properties: Bitter, Sweet, Cold
Channels: Lung, Liver
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
How to make salves, poultice, tinctures, teas, capsules, gargles, and foot bathes.
The chart below is a quick overview on using different forms of herbs.
About Plum Flower Quality Herb Cut Bulk 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.
Certificate of Analysis Available on the Bulk Herb Ye Ju Hua: Yes
Main Characteristics (Attributes) of Herbs
- Harvested at the proper level of maturity and correct time of the season to maximize potency.
- Free from Chlorine
- Manufactured without the use of sulphur
- Preservative Free
- 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
- Aluminum Phosphate free
- Packaged in an airtight sealed bag
- Pin Yin Names and Botanical Names are listed on the bag
- Certificate of Analysis are available upon request
- Conforms to Standards of Chinese Pharmacopeia
- No dyes, colors, or bleaching of the herbs
- We are a authorized direct distributor of Plum Flower Herbs.
- 500 gram bag size which equal anywhere from 4 to 6 cups of herbs
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as a supplementary aspect to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs ( Teas ) emphasize harmony, and balance.
Traditional Chinese Herbs encompasses the use of different parts of plants, such as the leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds. These plant parts are often used as a tea, decoctions, extracts, made into capsules or even a footbath. These bulk 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.
We encourage you to educate yourself on herbs and supplements, by researching reputable sites, and books. Having an open discussion with your physician on what will be most beneficial for your health issues. And lastly discussing interaction of herbs and pharmaceuticals with your pharmacist or physician.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6174261/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464623002190
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/white-mulberry-leaf
