Pinyin: Sangbaipi
Aliases
Sanggenbaipi, Baisangpi, Sangpi, Sanggenpi
Source
Moraceae plant mulberryMorus albaDried root bark of L.
Botanical Description
See the entry under "Sangshen" (Mulberry).
Harvesting and Processing
In late autumn after leaf fall until before sprouting in the following spring, dig up the roots, scrape off the yellowish-brown rough bark, split longitudinally, peel off the root bark, and dry in the sun.
Medicinal Properties
This product appears in twisted roll-like, groove-like, or plate-like shapes, varying in length, width, and thickness, with a thickness of 1-4 mm. The outer surface is white or pale yellowish-white, relatively flat, with occasional remnants of orange-yellow or brownish-yellow scaly rough bark; the inner surface is yellowish-white or grayish-yellow, with fine longitudinal striations. The texture is light, tough, and highly fibrous, difficult to break, and easily torn longitudinally, with dust flying when torn. Odor: faint; Taste: slightly sweet.
Chemical Constituents
This product contains cyclomulberrin, cyclomulberrochromene, cyclomorusin, kuwanon, morusin, mulberrochromene, and mulberrin.
Pharmacology
Has diuretic effects; lowers blood pressure, can inhibit the contractile force and rate of isolated frog heart muscle. Excites smooth muscle, has inhibitory effects on the nervous system, and possesses certain antibacterial effects.
Properties and Channel Entry
Sweet, cold. Enters the Lung channel.
Functions and Indications
Clears the Lungs, calms wheezing, promotes urination, and reduces edema. Used for lung-heat wheezing and cough, edema with abdominal distension and scanty urine, and facial and superficial edema.
Dosage and Administration
Oral: decoct in water, 9-15 g; or taken as powder
Precautions and Contraindications
Contraindicated in cases of Lung Cold without Fire and wind-cold cough.
Prescriptions
1. For stone-like carbuncle that is hard as stone and does not suppurate: Mulberry root bark, dried in the shade, ground into powder, melt with glue, mix with wine and apply to the swelling. (From *Qian Jin Yao Fang*). 2. For centipede and spider venom: Mulberry root bark, pound to extract juice and apply, immediate effect. (From *Wei Sheng Yi Jian Fang*). 3. For severe cough, possibly with bright red blood spitting: Mulberry root bark 1 jin (soaked in rice-washed water for three nights, scrape clean the yellow outer skin, finely cut), add glutinous rice 120 g (roasted dry). Grind together into powder. Take 30 g with rice drink each dose. (From *Jing Yan Fang*). 4. For extreme deficiency of blood vessels causing hair to be dry and lustrous: Mulberry root bark (finely cut) 1 jin, cypress leaves appropriate amount. Soak in three dou of water, boil for five to six times. Use to wash hair, do repeatedly, hair will become moist and lustrous. (From *Sheng Hui Fang*).
