Mulberry bark: traditional Chinese medicine for relieving coughs, relieving asthma, diuresis and reducing swelling.

Mulberry white bark is the dry root bark of the mulberry tree of the Moraceae plant. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it is cold in nature, sweet in taste, and returns to the lung meridian.Purging the lungs, relieving asthma, diuresis and reducing swellingThe two core functions are often used to treat cough and asthma due to lung heat, swelling and fullness due to swelling. Modern research has also found that it contains flavonoids, polysaccharides and other ingredients, which have certain anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive effects. This article will start from three aspects: traditional application, pharmacological mechanism and usage precautions to help readers fully understand this traditional Chinese medicine.

Relaxing the lungs and relieving asthma: the natural nemesis of lung-heat cough and asthma
The most significant effect of mulberry white bark isClear lung fire, relieve cough and asthma, especially suitable for coughs with yellow phlegm, asthma and chest tightness caused by lung heat. "Compendium of Materia Medica" records that it "purges the lungs and benefits the large and small intestines". It is often used clinically with Digupi and licorice (such as Xiebai powder) to relieve cough and asthma due to lung heat in children. Its mechanism of action is related to inhibiting bronchospasm and reducing the release of inflammatory factors, but attention should be paid toUse with caution in those with cough due to wind-cold or lung deficiency.

Diuresis and swelling: an auxiliary option for regulating edema
Another important effect of mulberry bark isPromote water metabolism, it has certain improvement effect on edema and difficulty in urination. The ancients used it to treat "feng shui" (acute nephritis and edema). Modern research has found that it has a mild diuretic effect and is suitable for patients with mild to moderate edema. It is often used together with Poria peel and Big Belly peel. However, patients with severe kidney disease must follow medical advice and cannot replace standard treatment.

Modern Research and Use Contraindications
Recent studies have shown that the content of mulberry barkMulberry, mulberry ketoneIngredients such as these have antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential, but more clinical verification is needed. When using, avoid taking it with spicy food.Deficiency of spleen and stomach or pregnant womenCaution is required. The recommended daily dosage is 6-12 grams, which can be decoctioned or taken into pills. Excessive dosage may cause diarrhea.

Summary and reminder
As a traditional Chinese medicine, mulberry bark has the effects of relieving cough and asthma, diuresis and swelling, and is especially suitable for those with lung-heat syndrome. Although its pharmacological activity has been gradually revealed, it still needs to be treated based on syndrome differentiation and cannot be used blindly. Only when properly combined with other medicinal materials or modern medical methods can the best effect be achieved.

Quote sources:
1. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 Edition
2. Li Shizhen's "Compendium of Materia Medica"
3. Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine "Chinese Materia Medica" textbook