Bai Xian Pi (Cylindrical, grayish-white, with fine longitudinal ridges, a mutton-like odor, and powdery dust when broken)

Bai Xian Pi Slices

【Naming】

Bai Xian Pi

n 【Source】n

Shen Nong’s Classic of Materia Medica, Middle Grade

n 【Common Usage Level】n

D

n 【Botanical Origin】n

The dried root bark of Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz., family Rutaceae.

n 【Characteristics】n

The dried root bark is cylindrical, often with the outer bark removed. It varies in length, ranging from 7 to 12 cm long, 1 to 2 cm in diameter, and 2 to 5 mm thick. The outer surface is smooth, appearing yellowish-white to light brown, slightly glossy, and sometimes has longitudinal wrinkles and lateral root scars. The inner surface is pale yellow, smooth, and has round holes formed by lateral roots. The texture is loose and brittle, easily broken.nPrepared slices are thin, transverse slices, about 1 cm in diameter and 1 to 2 mm thick. The entire slice is yellowish-white, with transverse cracks on the outer side of the bark and a light yellow center. It has a mutton-like odor and a slightly bitter taste with a cooling sensation.

n 【Identification】n

“The best comes from Shu (Sichuan)” – *Annotations to the Materia Medica Classic* . “The best has yellowish-white roots and a solid core” – *Seeking Truths in Materia Medica*. “Now it is found in Hezhong, Jiangning, Chuzhou, and Runzhou, but the best comes from Shu (Sichuan)” – *Easy Readings of Materia Medica*.nThe best is cylindrical, thick-skinned, dry, large, and powdery white, without a woody core.

 【Identification Terminology】

1. Mutton-like odor: A unique odor characteristic of Bai Xian Pi medicinal material.

 【Category】

Bark Category