Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Medical Uses of Phellodendron Amurense?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Phellodendron amurense, also known as Huang Bai or cork tree, is a deciduous tree native to China, Korea, and Japan. Considered to be a successful homeopathic remedy and one of the fundamentally used remedies in Chinese medicine, it is used by homeopathic medicine practitioners to treat jaundice, urinary system conditions, and vaginal infections. Some practitioners also recommend it to relieve diarrhea, vomiting, or dysentery. Many people believe the remedy can treat skin conditions as well.

A large tree, Phellodendron amurense grows to about 40 feet (12.2 m) in height. It typically has leaves with seven leaflets that are shaped like lances. Most trees have clusters of flowers that area green in color and a plenitude of round berries that vary from green to black, depending on the season. The bark, which is light gray and similar in texture to a wine cork, is the part of the tree used for medical purposes; it usually is harvested in the spring.

Phellodendron amurense can be used to treat conjunctivitis.
Phellodendron amurense can be used to treat conjunctivitis.

Homeopathic medicine practitioners believe that Phellodendron amurense can cure a variety of illnesses and medical conditions. The remedy contains several useful properties, such as berberine and palmatine. Berberine is a known antidiarrheal, antibacterial, and amebicidal, while palmatine is considered to be a vasodilator, which dilates blood vessels. As a result, it is believed to treat a wide range of stomach conditions, several skin conditions, and many other ailments, such as meningitis, urinary tract infections, conjunctivitis, jaundice, and vaginal infections.

A doctor should be consulted before taking phellodendron amurense.
A doctor should be consulted before taking phellodendron amurense.

If someone were to taste Phellodendron amurense, they would say it is a bitter remedy. The most common preparation of the tree is to boil the bark in water. A liquid extract may also be used, depending on the recommendations of the homeopathic remedy practitioner.

Although the most common purpose of Phellodendron amurense is to treat ailments, it can also be used for other purposes. For example, the bark is a common source for cork. In addition, the trunk of the tree is used for carving furniture and other ornamental materials. The berries are sometimes used to make dyes, soaps, insecticides, and lubricants.

Phellodendron amurense can be used to treat urinary tract infections.
Phellodendron amurense can be used to treat urinary tract infections.

Most homeopathic medicine practitioners consider Phellodendron amurense to be a safe remedy. In general, people with cardiovascular medical conditions, such as arrhythmias, high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure should avoid using the remedy. Infants, young children, and women who are pregnant are specifically warned against using it as well. Consulting an expert in homeopathic medicine or a medical doctor before taking this remedy is recommended.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon304490

@umbra21: Even if one takes a homeopathic remedy and it has a placebo effect, then it works in my book, because medicine is all about positive patient outcomes.

irontoenail

It's funny that this tree is so well thought of in China. It is, in fact, considered one of the 50 essential herbs for Traditional Chinese medicine and is also used in Japan and Korea.

Because it is a noxious invasive plant in much of the United States. It grows quite fast and doesn't have any natural pests to hold it back. And it spreads quickly.

You can control it by only planting male plants, but there are already quite a few of these amur cork trees in the wild, because they were a popular ornamental plant for a while.

umbra21

I'm sorry but I just don't understand why people still think homeopathic remedies work.

Phellodendron extract might have some medicinal properties, I don't know. Traditional Chinese medicine has definitely got things right before, and maybe the tree bark does have some healing qualities.

But the principal behind homeopathy is silly as far as I'm concerned.

Supposedly if you take a very small amount of something that causes the same symptoms you're suffering from, it will cure you, according to homeopathy practitioners.

Scientists have tested the theory numerous times and found homeopathy to be no better than a placebo.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Phellodendron amurense can be used to treat conjunctivitis.
      By: arztsamui
      Phellodendron amurense can be used to treat conjunctivitis.
    • A doctor should be consulted before taking phellodendron amurense.
      By: brankatekic
      A doctor should be consulted before taking phellodendron amurense.
    • Phellodendron amurense can be used to treat urinary tract infections.
      By: 7activestudio
      Phellodendron amurense can be used to treat urinary tract infections.
    • Phellodendron amurense may be used to treat jaundice.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Phellodendron amurense may be used to treat jaundice.