Kǔ Liàn Pí (苦楝皮), known in English as Chinaberry bark (Melia azedarach (bark)), is a cold, bitter Chinese herb from the Expel parasites category. It enters the Spleen, Stomach and Liver channels. Its main action: kills parasites (roundworm, hookworm, pinworm).
| Pinyin | Kǔ Liàn Pí (Ku Lian Pi) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 苦楝皮 |
| English | Chinaberry bark |
| Botanical name | Melia azedarach (bark) |
| Category | Expel parasites |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter |
| Channels | Spleen, Stomach, Liver |
| Dosage | 4.5–9g |
| Cautions | Toxic — do not overdose; pregnancy; liver disease; avoid prolonged use |
Actions
- Kills parasites (roundworm, hookworm, pinworm)
- Clears Damp-Heat, stops itching (topical)
Indications
- Intestinal parasites
- Tinea (topical)
How to remember Kǔ Liàn Pí
Only 2 herbs in Expel parasites, so learn each one on its own.
- Learn by heart
- Cold
- Bitter
- Spleen, Stomach and Liver channels: nothing in its actions points to them
Other Expel parasites herbs
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Kǔ Liàn Pí?
Kǔ Liàn Pí is cold and bitter.
Which channels does Kǔ Liàn Pí enter?
Kǔ Liàn Pí enters the Spleen, Stomach and Liver channels.
What are the actions of Kǔ Liàn Pí?
Kills parasites (roundworm, hookworm, pinworm); Clears Damp-Heat, stops itching (topical).
What is Kǔ Liàn Pí used for?
Intestinal parasites; tinea (topical).
Practise Kǔ Liàn Pí and the other 290 herbs
Recognise each herb from its picture, recall its nature, flavour, channels and actions, and review it again just before you would forget it.
Try the 5-question herb quizShen Study is a study tool. Doses and cautions are as taught in standard Chinese materia medica texts; they are not prescribing advice.