3Huang Bai - Phellodendron Schors - Cortex Phellodendri

Huang Bai (Phellodendron Bark) is a cold, bitter herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for clearing heat, drying dampness, and draining fire from the lower burner. It is obtained from the bark of Phellodendron amurense of Phellodendron chinense and is widely used for conditions involving damp-heat in the lower body, such as urinary tract infections, vaginal discharge, and swollen, painful joints. Huang Bai is also valued for clearing deficient heat from Yin deficiency, particularly in cases of night sweats, low-grade fever, and hot flashes. Its strong drying nature makes it a key herb for damp-heat patterns affecting both the urinary and reproductive systems.

Functies en voordelen

Verwijdert vochtige warmte uit de onderste brander
Treats urinary tract infections, cloudy urine, and excessive vaginal discharge.

Drains Fire and Reduces Swelling
Relieves inflammation and pain in the joints from damp-heat arthritis.

Clears Deficient Heat from Yin Deficiency
Eases night sweats, low-grade fever, and hot flashes.

Detoxifies and Reduces Infections
Helps with damp-heat skin lesions and sores.

Indicaties (wie kan er baat bij hebben?)
✔ 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.

Diagnose van tong en pols in TCM
Tongue: Red with yellow greasy coating, indicating damp-heat.
Pulse: Slippery and rapid, reflecting damp-heat or deficient heat.

Verwante TCM-patronen
Damp-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.

Klinische toepassingen (alleen ter referentie)
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 Bai
Often 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.

Voorzorgsmaatregelen en contra-indicaties
Avoid 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.

Aanbevelingen voor levensstijl en dieet
✔ 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.

Conclusie
Huang 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.