Mu Dan Pi, also known as Moutan Cortex or Tree Peony Root Bark, is a bitter, acrid, and slightly cold herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to clear heat, cool the blood, invigorate blood circulation, and reduce swelling. It is widely used for internal heat in the blood level, Yin Deficiency heat, blood stasis, and inflammatory conditions. Mu Dan Pi is especially helpful in gynecology, dermatology, and trauma where heat and stagnation are involved.
Functions & Benefits
Clears Heat & Cools the Blood
Mu Dan Pi is used to treat heat in the blood level with symptoms such as nosebleeds, rashes, and fever. It is often included in formulas for warm febrile diseases or early-stage heat entering the Ying or Xue level.
Clears Deficiency Heat
This herb gently clears heat from Yin Deficiency without injuring the blood or fluids. It is effective for tidal fevers, night sweats, steaming bone sensation, and chronic low-grade fevers due to Liver or Kidney Yin Deficiency.
Invigorates Blood & Dispels Stasis
Mu Dan Pi activates blood circulation and removes stasis in cases of amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, abdominal masses, or trauma. It is used in gynecological disorders with clots, pain, or irregular menstruation.
Clears Liver Fire
It is sometimes used to reduce Liver Fire manifesting as irritability, red eyes, or headache. It can also help in patterns of Liver heat with blood stagnation.
Reduces Swelling & Drains Pus
Mu Dan Pi can be applied for carbuncles, abscesses, or skin lesions with inflammation and heat. It helps clear heat and toxicity while moving blood to promote healing.
Indications
Fever, rash, or bleeding from heat in the blood.
Night sweats, tidal fever, or steaming bones from Yin Deficiency.
Painful menstruation, amenorrhea, or abdominal masses due to blood stasis.
Carbuncles or skin infections with swelling and heat.
Irritability or red eyes from Liver Fire.
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red with little or no coating, or dark with stasis spots if blood stagnation is present.
Pulse: Thin and rapid (Yin Deficiency heat) or choppy and wiry (blood stasis).
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Mu Dan Pi
Mu Dan Pi treats Heat in the Blood Level, Yin Deficiency with Heat, Blood Stasis, and Liver Fire. These patterns commonly involve bleeding, rashes, fevers, menstrual pain, or hot skin lesions.
Precautions & Contraindications
Not suitable for excessive menstrual bleeding or during pregnancy due to its blood-invigorating nature.
Use with caution in cold conditions or in patients with weak digestion.
Avoid in cases of bleeding due to Qi Deficiency or Spleen weakness.
Conclusion
Mu Dan Pi is a versatile and cooling herb that clears heat, cools the blood, and invigorates circulation. It is especially valuable in cases of blood stasis with heat, Yin Deficiency fever, and inflammatory conditions. Its ability to treat both excess and deficiency heat makes it an essential herb in modern TCM practice for dermatology, gynecology, and trauma care.
