Walnut bark, dry branches, often twisted into rope-like or single cylindrical shape, varying in length, can reach more than 1 meter. It has a slight aroma and a slightly bitter and astringent taste. It has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, stopping diarrhea, and improving eyesight.
[Other Names] Quhu Bark (Gansu Medicinal Handbook), Quhu Bark (Chinese Medicinal Dictionary).
[Source] It is the bark of the walnut tree of the Juglandaceae family. For detailed plant morphology, see "Walnut Fruit".
[Collection] Harvest in spring or autumn, peel off the branches or bark, and dry them in the sun.
[Medicinal Material] Dry branches, often twisted into rope-like or single cylindrical shape, varying in length, can reach more than 1 meter.
1-2 mm thick. The outer surface is light gray-brown, smooth with longitudinal grooves, and has a few light brown circular protrusions and triangular leaf scars.
The inner surface is dark brown, smooth with fine longitudinal lines. It is tough and not easily broken, but can be easily split along the fibers. It has no smell and a slightly bitter and astringent taste. The water infusion is light yellowish-brown and does not show fluorescence.
It is produced in Henan, Hebei, Shaanxi, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Gansu and other places.
In most areas of China, this product is commonly used as Qinpi. However, according to ancient Chinese pharmacology records, Qinpi should be the bark of the Oleaceae plant Fraxinus mandshurica var. binaculata. See "Qinpi" for details.
[Chemical Composition] The bark, leaves, and outer fruit shell contain glycosides and a large amount of tannins. The leaves contain 6.25-9.35% tannins.
[Processing] Wash, moisten, cut into pieces, and dry in the sun.
[Properties and Taste] Bitter, cold.
① "Hebei Medicinal Materials": "Bitter taste, cold property."
② "Hebei Chinese Medicinal Handbook": "Neutral property, bitter and pungent taste."
③ "Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia-Qinghai Selected Chinese Medicinal Herbs": "Bitter taste, slightly cold property."
[Functions of Walnut Bark]
① Treat enteritis and dysentery: Walnut bark, White Mulberry Root-Bark, Phellodendron Bark, and Coptis Rhizome, each 9 grams. Decoction and take orally. (Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia-Qinghai Selected Chinese Medicinal Herbs)
② Treat chronic bacterial dysentery: Walnut bark 12 grams, Rehmannia Root-Bark and Toona Bark, each 9 grams. Decoction and take orally. (Hebei Chinese Medicinal Handbook)
③ Treat damp-heat leukorrhea: Walnut bark and Atractylodes Rhizome, each 9 grams. Decoction and take orally. (Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia-Qinghai Selected Chinese Medicinal Herbs)
④ Treat acute conjunctivitis: Walnut bark, Bamboo Leaf, each 9 grams, Coptis Rhizome 3 grams. Decoction and take orally. Or use Walnut bark 15 grams, decoct and use the liquid to wash the eyes. (Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia-Qinghai Selected Chinese Medicinal Herbs)
⑤ Treat chalazion and dry stool: Walnut bark 9 grams, Rhubarb 6 grams. Decoction and take orally. Pregnant women should avoid taking it. (Hebei Chinese Medicinal Handbook)
[Contraindications of Walnut Bark]
Pregnant women should avoid taking it.
[Side Effects of Walnut Bark]
Due to the high toxicity of walnut branches and bark, it should be consumed in small quantities according to individual conditions. Gradually increase the dosage. If abnormal reactions such as numbness in the mouth, weakness in the body, nausea, and discomfort occur, stop taking it for a few days or reduce the dosage.
