The sea chestnut bark, also known as mountain hibiscus, stair withered, empty chestnut tree, etc., can be collected throughout the year, but it is mainly harvested in spring for trading. How is it used clinically?
Main components: The bark contains toxidone alkaloids, amino acids, and organic acids. The seed oil contains 36.7% saturated organic acids and 63.3% unsaturated organic acids (oleic acid, linoleic acid), as well as securinine.
Efficacy and function: The water infusion of sea chestnut bark (1:3) has varying degrees of inhibitory effect on Trichophyton violaceum, Xulanshi yellow ringworm, rust-colored small bud germs, and groin epidermal ringworm. It is also said to have an inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus in vitro.
Preparation: Soak in water, wash off dirt, cut into small pieces, and sun dry.
Taste: Bitter, spicy, neutral.
Meridian tropism: Enters the liver and spleen meridians.
Functions: Expels wind and dampness, regulates meridians, kills parasites.
Main indications: Rheumatism, dysentery, toothache, scabies.
Clinical application: Sea chestnut bark can enter the liver meridian and blood division, and is an important herb for dispelling wind and eliminating dampness.
1. Treatment of swollen and painful legs due to wind and dampness: It is often used in combination with coix seed, ledebouriella root, and rhizome of notopterygium to eliminate dampness, reduce swelling, promote diuresis, activate blood circulation, and regulate meridians. It is commonly used for joint swelling and pain, stiffness in the fingers and toes, and difficulty in flexion and extension, such as in Sea Chestnut Bark Powder.
2. Treatment of severe wind disorders: It is often used in combination with anemarrhena rhizome, dog spine, etc., to dispel wind, activate blood circulation, strengthen tendons, and strengthen bones. It is commonly used for unbearable pain in the waist and knees, inability to stretch and lift the feet, and joint pain throughout the body.
Precautions: 1. Not suitable for those with blood deficiency; 2. Prohibited for those with excessive blood heat.
Dosage: 6-12g, or soaked in alcohol. External use: decoction for washing or grinding for external application.
Prescription example: Sea Chestnut Bark Powder: 30g of sea chestnut bark, 60g each of saiga horn powder and coix seed, 30g each of ledebouriella root, rhizome of notopterygium, cinnamon bark (peeled), red poria, and prepared rehmannia root, 30g of betel nut. Grind all the ingredients into a powder. Take 9g per dose, add five slices of fresh ginger and decoct together, and take seven portions.
Note: There are many varieties of sea chestnut bark in the market, and their characteristics are different from each other, but they have long been used as medicinal materials in various regions. However, the "sea chestnut bark" used in Jilin, Henan, Anhui, Shanxi, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Gansu, and other places is different from the genuine product and has its own characteristics. The differences between them need further research.
