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Cura x Cura

Ku Lian Pi苦楝皮

Meliae Cortex · Chinaberry Bark · Melia Bark

Herbs that Expel Parasites 驱虫药《名医别录》

Overview

The root or stem bark of chinaberry, bitter and cold, used to kill intestinal parasites — roundworm above all, and also hookworm and pinworm — and applied externally for tinea and scabies. This is a toxic herb. It is prescribed at a defined dose for a short course under supervision, and is never a self-medication.

Nature & Flavor

Bitter · Cold · Toxic

Channels

Liver · Spleen · Stomach

Typical Dosage

4.5–9 g in decoction
苦楝皮Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

2 core actions

  • Kills parasitesRoundworm, hookworm and pinworm infestation with abdominal pain around the navel.
  • Treats tinea, stops itchingDecocted as a wash or made into an ointment for ringworm, scabies and itchy fungal lesions.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Ku Lian Pi

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Roundworm, pinworm and hookworm infestation
    - Tinea, scabies and itchy fungal skin lesions (external use)

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

AscariasisHookwormPinwormTinea

Contraindications

Cautions

Toxic herb. Its active constituent, toosendanin, accumulates in the body: exceeding the dose or extending the course can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness and liver injury, and serious poisoning has been reported. Take only the amount and the number of days a practitioner prescribes, and never self-medicate with it. It is contraindicated in liver disease and used only with great caution in the elderly, the debilitated and in children. Keep out of reach of children.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy — the herb is toxic and must not be taken while pregnant or breastfeeding.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    2. 《中华人民共和国药典》.
    3. 《中华本草》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.