Sang Bai Pi (Mulberry Root Bark) is a cold, sweet herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for clearing Lung heat, calming wheezing, and promoting urination to reduce edema. It is derived from the root bark of Morus alba and is especially valued for treating cough with yellow phlegm, asthma, and swelling caused by water retention. Sang Bai Pi is also used for reducing high blood pressure linked to Lung heat and fluid accumulation. Its ability to simultaneously clear heat from the Lungs and drain excess fluids makes it an important herb for both respiratory and water metabolism disorders.
Functions & Benefits
Clears Lung Heat and Calms Wheezing
Reduces cough and asthma with yellow, sticky sputum caused by Lung heat or phlegm-heat accumulation.
Promotes Urination and Reduces Edema
Encourages water metabolism and helps relieve swelling in the face and limbs.
Lowers High Blood Pressure from Excess Heat
Helps in managing hypertension related to Lung heat and fluid accumulation.
Moistens Dryness in the Lungs
In mild cases, soothes dryness-related cough when combined with moistening herbs.
Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)
✔ Individuals with cough or asthma from Lung heat or phlegm-heat.
✔ People with facial or limb swelling from water retention.
✔ Those with high blood pressure linked to heat and fluid accumulation.
✔ Patients with chronic cough accompanied by yellow sputum.
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red with yellow coating, indicating heat in the Lungs.
Pulse: Rapid and slippery, reflecting phlegm-heat and fluid accumulation.
Related TCM Patterns
Lung Heat – Causes cough, asthma, and yellow sputum.
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs – Produces sticky sputum, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Edema from Lung and Spleen Dysfunction – Leads to facial and limb swelling.
Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)
Cough and Asthma – Clears heat and reduces phlegm for easier breathing.
Edema – Promotes urination to relieve swelling.
Hypertension – Assists in reducing elevated blood pressure in heat-related patterns.
Bronchitis – Helps relieve inflammation and congestion in the Lungs.
Common Herbal Formulas with Sang Bai Pi
Often combined with Ting Li Zi and Ma Huang for phlegm-heat wheezing, or with Fu Ling and Bai Zhu for edema.
Precautions & Contraindications
Avoid in cases of cough from cold deficiency.
Not suitable for excessive urination or fluid depletion.
Use with caution in Yin deficiency without heat signs.
Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations
✔ Eat cooling foods such as cucumber, pear, and mung beans to clear heat.
✔ Avoid spicy, greasy foods that aggravate Lung heat.
✔ Stay hydrated to support Lung and Kidney function.
✔ Practice gentle breathing exercises to strengthen Lung capacity.
Conclusion
Sang Bai Pi (Mulberry Root Bark) is a cold, Lung-clearing herb in TCM that reduces cough, calms wheezing, promotes urination, and relieves swelling. It is a key choice for respiratory heat conditions with phlegm and for edema linked to fluid retention.