The efficacy and function of Zhejiang Paulownia bark

Tung bark is a traditional Chinese medicine. In addition to the effects we know in daily life, Tung bark actually has many other effects and functions. Let’s take a look at them right away.

【English Name】 Ailanthus-like Pricklyash Bark

[Other names] Chinensis, Drum nail tree, Pittosporum tobira

[Source] It is the bark of Zanthoxylum ailanthoides Sieb.et Zucc., a plant of the Rutaceae family . In summer, peel off the bark, fold the thorns inwards, and dry them in the sun.

[Original form] A tree, 3 to 10 meters high, with thorns on the trunk and branches. Odd-pinnate compound leaves; leaflets 9 to 23, thick papery, opposite, oblong to oblong, 7 to 13 cm long, 2 to 4 cm wide, gradually pointed at apex, rounded at base, slightly asymmetrical, with shallowly blunt serrations on margins, 1 transparent glandular dot between teeth above, pale green below with sparse glandular dots. The inflorescence is terminal in a corymbose panicle; the flowers are small, unisexual, light green, and 5-merous; the stamens of male flowers have a glandular dot on the top of the connective and the reduced carpels are short. The fruit of the condyle is red with a short beak at the top. The seeds are brown-black and shiny. The flowering period is from July to August, and the fruiting period is from October to November.

[Habitat distribution] Growing in dense forests or roadside wetlands. Produced in Zhejiang.

[Properties] The bark is thin or curly, 1.5 to 3 mm thick. The outer surface is black-gray or light black-gray, with gray-white markings, many wrinkled longitudinal stripes and longitudinal concave lines, and nipple-like spikes; the inner surface is yellow-brown with fine longitudinal stripes. It is hard and brittle, with a fibrous cross section. It has a faint smell and a slightly bitter taste. It is neutral in nature and bitter in taste.

[Chemical composition] The bark contains laurifoline, skimmianine and magnoflorine.

【Functions and indications】Relieve rheumatism and dredge meridians. Used for pain in the waist and knees, stubborn arthritis, and scabies.

[Additional recipe] The bark of the same genus plant Z. molle Rehd. can also be used as Zhejiang Paulownia bark.

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

Through the detailed introduction of the traditional Chinese medicine Zhejiang Paulownia bark in the above article, we know that Zhejiang Paulownia bark has many functions and effects and is extremely beneficial to the body. So if you have related symptoms, you might as well give it a try.