Wu Bei Zi - Gallnut of Chinese Sumac

TCM Materia Medica

Wu Bei Zi TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "wu bei zi" which in english is "gallnut of chinese sumac", is categorized within the "herbs that stabilize and bind" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the kidney, large intestine and lung channels and exhibits cold (han), salty (xian) and sour (suan) taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

  • Dosage: 1.5-6g

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Contain leakage of lung qi - stop chronic cough due to deficient lung.
  • Binds the intestines, stops diarrhea - diarrhea, dysentery, chronic blood in the stool, rectal prolapse.
  • Restrains leakage - nocturnal emission, spermatorrhea, excessive sweat, bleeding.
  • Absorbs moisture, reduces swellings, relieves fire toxicity - topically for sores, ringworm, ulcerated skin, scars.

As noted above, wu bei zi is within the herbs that stabilize and bind functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... stabilizing and binding herbs most often have sour and astringent properties. they are useful for conditions involving excess discharges or structures slipping from proper positions (uterine prolapse, excessive sweat, diarrhea, excessive…)".

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