Huang Bai - Écorce de Phellodendron - Cortex Phellodendri

Le Huang Bai (écorce de Phellodendron) est une plante froide et amère de la médecine traditionnelle chinoise (MTC) connue pour évacuer la chaleur, assécher l'humidité et drainer le feu du brûleur inférieur. Elle est obtenue à partir de l'écorce du Phellodendron amurense ou Phellodendron chinense et est largement utilisé dans les cas de chaleur humide dans le bas du corps, tels que les infections urinaires, les pertes vaginales et les articulations enflées et douloureuses. Le Huang Bai est également apprécié pour éliminer la chaleur déficiente du Yin, en particulier en cas de sueurs nocturnes, de fièvre légère et de bouffées de chaleur. Sa nature fortement asséchante en fait une plante clé pour les schémas de chaleur humide affectant à la fois le système urinaire et le système reproducteur.
Fonctions et avantages
Clears Damp-Heat from the Lower BurnerTreats urinary tract infections, cloudy urine, and excessive vaginal discharge.
Drains Fire and Reduces SwellingRelieves inflammation and pain in the joints from damp-heat arthritis.
Clears Deficient Heat from Yin DeficiencyEases night sweats, low-grade fever, and hot flashes.
Detoxifies and Reduces InfectionsHelps with damp-heat skin lesions and sores.
Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)✔ Individuals with urinary tract infections or bladder damp-heat.✔ People with vaginal discharge or reproductive tract damp-heat.✔ Those with hot flashes and night sweats from Yin deficiency.✔ Patients with joint pain and swelling from damp-heat arthritis.
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCMTongue: Red with yellow greasy coating, indicating damp-heat.Pulse: Slippery and rapid, reflecting damp-heat or deficient heat.
Related TCM PatternsDamp-Heat in the Lower Burner – Causes urinary difficulty, discharge, and inflammation.Yin Deficiency Heat – Produces night sweats, low fever, and dryness.Damp-Heat Bi Syndrome – Leads to red, swollen joints with limited mobility.
Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)Urinary Tract Infections – Clears damp-heat and reduces discomfort.Vaginal Discharge – Resolves dampness and restores balance.Arthritis from Damp-Heat – Reduces swelling and pain in affected joints.Yin Deficiency Heat – Relieves menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.
Common Herbal Formulas with Huang BaiOften combined with Zhi Mu in Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan for Yin deficiency heat, or with Cang Zhu and Niu Xi for damp-heat in the lower burner.
Precautions & ContraindicationsAvoid in cases of cold-damp or Spleen and Stomach deficiency without heat.Not suitable for long-term use in those with cold constitutions.Excessive use may overly dry fluids.
Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations✔ Include cooling, anti-inflammatory foods such as celery, cucumber, and mung beans.✔ Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and greasy meals that worsen damp-heat.✔ Stay hydrated to support urinary health.✔ Practice gentle exercises like walking or swimming to promote circulation in the lower body.
ConclusionHuang Bai (Phellodendron Bark) is a cold, bitter herb in TCM that clears damp-heat, drains fire from the lower burner, and reduces deficient heat. It is especially useful for urinary tract infections, reproductive tract damp-heat, arthritis, and Yin deficiency heat symptoms.