2Huang Bo-Phellodendron stem bark-Phellodendron chinense

Huang Bo, also known as Phellodendron Bark, is a bitter and cold herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to clear damp-heat, purge fire, and resolve toxicity. It is a key component in formulas addressing heat and dampness in the lower body, and is commonly used to treat inflammatory skin disorders, jaundice, urinary tract infections, and diarrhea due to damp-heat accumulation. Huang Bo is also known for clearing Kidney fire, particularly in Yin deficiency cases.

Functions & Benefits

Clears Heat and Dries Dampness
Used for diarrhea, jaundice, dysentery, and damp skin lesions, particularly when yellow, thick discharges or foul odors are present.

Drains Fire and Clears Deficiency Heat
Especially helpful in Yin deficiency with heat signs, such as night sweats, steaming bone disorder, and hot flashes.

Relieves Toxicity
Treats sores, boils, eczema, and abscesses, whether topical or systemic, related to internal heat and damp accumulation.

Indications
Individuals with jaundice, dysentery, or foul-smelling diarrhea due to damp-heat
People experiencing steaming bone syndrome, night sweats, or hot palms and soles from Yin deficiency
Patients with skin inflammation, eczema, or infected sores
Those with urinary pain, cloudy urine, or genital itching due to damp-heat in the lower Jiao

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red with yellow greasy coating (damp-heat)
Pulse: Rapid and slippery or thin and rapid (heat and/or Yin deficiency)

Common TCM Patterns Treated by Huang Bo
Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner – Jaundice, painful urination, vaginal discharge
Yin Deficiency with Heat – Night sweats, tidal fever, dry mouth
Heat Toxin in Skin – Boils, abscesses, sores, eczema

Precautions & Contraindications
Not suitable for individuals with Spleen and Stomach deficiency cold
Avoid in cases of chronic loose stools, weak digestion, or cold patterns
Use with caution in Yin-deficient patients without heat signs

Conclusion
Huang Bo is a strong, heat-clearing and damp-drying herb, especially effective for lower body damp-heat, Yin deficiency heat, and toxic skin conditions. Its cold nature and bitter flavor make it ideal for cleansing fire and inflammation, particularly in cases involving the Kidneys, Liver, intestines, or skin.