Witnessed by: TCM · Western
Amur cork tree (Phellodendron amurense), of the Rutaceae family. Deciduous tree with thick, deeply fissured corky bark; native range: Northeast China, the Amur region, Korea and Japan; cultivated as a shade and medicinal tree. Globally recognized as huang bai (黄柏) in Chinese, and Amur corktree, Chinese corktree, phellodendron bark in English. The part used is inner bark (cortex, huang bai). Grey corky outer bark over a startling chrome-yellow inner layer, intensely and lastingly bitter on the tongue.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
AMUR CORK TREE
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- Amur cork tree
- Scientific name
- Phellodendron amurense Rupr.
- Family
- Rutaceae
Form
- Part used
- inner bark (cortex, huang bai)
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter
- Western
- bitter
Temperature
TCM: cold
Western: cold
convergence: both {witness_count} witnesses meet — a plainly bitter, cold bark in each reading
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Kidney · Bladder · Large Intestine
- Western
- kidneys · bladder · liver · skin
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- clears heat and dries dampness (especially of the lower burner), drains kidney fire, resolves fire toxicity
- Western
- bitter, antibacterial and antifungal, anti-inflammatory, cholagogue
Cautions
Contraindications: spleen-stomach cold with poor appetite and loose stools; caution in pregnancy
Toxicity: safe in normal doses; its bitterness and cold may upset a weak digestion
Interactions
- Western
- antidiabetic agents: berberine adds to blood-sugar lowering · CYP450-metabolised drugs: berberine inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, raising drug levels · immunosuppressants: berberine can raise ciclosporin blood levels
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