- Sang Bai Pi, the root bark of the white mulberry tree, is a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), valued for its ability to clear lung heat, relieve coughs, reduce swelling, and promote urination.
- Emerging research suggests it may offer anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and blood sugar-lowering potential, though more human studies are needed to confirm these benefits.
- Risks include possible interactions with diabetes or blood pressure medications, and it’s not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Short-term use might cause bloating or constipation.
- In the West, Sang Bai Pi is mainly used as a supplement to manage diabetes and high cholesterol, but scientific support remains limited—consulting a doctor is a must.
Sang Bai Pi, also known as White Mulberry Root-Bark or Mori Cortex, is a time-honored herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Derived from the root bark of the white mulberry tree (Morus alba), it’s been used for centuries to soothe coughs, ease breathing, and reduce swelling. But what makes this herb special, and is it as beneficial—or safe—as its long history suggests?
In this article, we’ll dive into what Sang Bai Pi is, explore its potential health benefits, and highlight the risks you should know about—all while keeping things clear, engaging, and backed by credible sources.
What Is Sang Bai Pi?
Sang Bai Pi comes from the root bark of the white mulberry tree, a plant native to China and widely grown in provinces like Henan, Anhui, and Zhejiang. Harvested in late autumn or early winter, the inner bark is stripped, dried, and transformed into a versatile remedy. In TCM, it’s prized for its “cold” and “sweet” nature, targeting the lungs to clear heat, calm coughs, and promote urination1.
Picture this: a rolled-up piece of bark, about 1-4 mm thick, with a creamy white or pale yellow surface that might release a faint puff of powder when torn. It’s subtle in scent, mildly sweet to taste, and surprisingly light yet tough—qualities that hint at its unique role in herbal medicine2.
A Glimpse into Its Traditional Roots
For over a thousand years, Sang Bai Pi has been a go-to in TCM. Ancient texts like The Grand Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu) by Li Shizhen praise it for “draining lung heat” and “easing water flow.” It’s traditionally used for3:
- Lung heat: Think coughs with sticky yellow phlegm or shortness of breath.
- Swelling: Face, limbs, or belly puffed up from fluid buildup.
- Urinary issues: When fluids just won’t flow as they should.
Often, it’s paired with herbs like licorice or poria to boost its effects, a testament to its teamwork in herbal formulas4.
Potential Health Benefits of Sang Bai Pi
Sang Bai Pi’s reputation isn’t just folklore—modern science is starting to catch up. Here’s what research and tradition suggest it might do for you:
1. Soothes Coughs and Breathing Troubles
If you’ve ever had a stubborn cough or felt like your lungs were on fire, Sang Bai Pi might sound familiar to TCM fans. It’s long been used to cool lung heat and cut through phlegm. Modern studies point to compounds like flavonoids and scoparone that may relax airways and ease asthma-like symptoms5. While human trials are still sparse, its track record in herbal blends like Xie Bai San (for lung heat coughs) keeps it relevant6.
2. Reduces Swelling Naturally
Got puffy ankles or a bloated face? Sang Bai Pi’s diuretic power—its ability to help your body shed excess water—might be why it’s a classic for edema7. Ancient texts noted it “profits the water pathways,” and lab studies back this up, showing its water and alcohol extracts increase urine output in animals. It’s a gentle nudge to your system, not a harsh flush, which makes it appealing for mild fluid retention8.
3. Fights Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s alarm system gone rogue in conditions like bronchitis or arthritis. Sang Bai Pi’s flavonoids and coumarins might help turn down the volume. A study found mulberry root bark extracts tamped down inflammatory markers like nitric oxide9. It’s not a cure, but it could be a helper for lung-related inflammation.
4. May Support Blood Sugar Control
Diabetes warriors, take note: early research hints Sang Bai Pi could steady blood sugar. Animal studies in Phytotherapy Research showed mulberry extracts lowered glucose levels and boosted insulin sensitivity10. While it’s not ready to replace your meds, it’s a promising nod to its traditional use for metabolic balance.
5. Early Anticancer Clues
Could Sang Bai Pi fight cancer? It’s a big question with small answers so far. Lab tests showed mulberry root extracts triggered cancer cell death in colorectal lines11. It’s exciting, but don’t toss your treatments—human studies are still a long way off.
Summary: Sang Bai Pi has long been used in TCM. Modern science shows it may soothe coughs, reduce swelling, fight inflammation, support blood sugar control, and there are early anticancer clues, though more human studies are needed.
How to Use Sang Bai Pi
Sang Bai Pi isn’t something you sprinkle on your salad—it’s a serious herb with specific prep methods12:
- Decoction: Boil 6-12 grams of dried bark in water for 30 minutes, strain, and sip. This is the TCM classic.
- Honey-Fried: For gentler lung support (like chronic coughs), it’s fried with honey to soften its chill.
- Capsules: In the West, you might find it as a supplement, though quality varies.
A tip from tradition:安徽亳州 (Bozhou, Anhui) and浙江桐乡 (Tongxiang, Zhejiang) produce some of the thickest, richest Sang Bai Pi—perfect for potent brews.
Risks and Precautions to Watch For
Sang Bai Pi isn’t a free-for-all. Here’s what to keep in mind13:
1. Not for Chilly Coughs
TCM labels it “cold,” so if your cough comes with clear phlegm or you’re shivering, skip it—it might make things worse. It’s built for “hot” symptoms like yellow phlegm or fever.
2. Drug Interactions
Taking blood pressure or diabetes meds? Sang Bai Pi’s blood sugar and pressure-lowering effects could team up too well, risking lows. Check with your doctor first.
3. Side Effects
Most tolerate it short-term, but watch for:
- Bloating
- Loose stools
- Constipation
Long-term safety? We don’t know yet—another reason to keep it supervised.
4. Pregnancy Pause
No solid data exists on Sang Bai Pi in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Better safe than sorry—avoid it unless your healthcare pro says otherwise.
Summary: When using Sang Bai Pi, be cautious. It’s not for chilly coughs with clear phlegm. May interact with blood pressure or diabetes meds. Watch for side effects like bloating. Safety in pregnancy/breastfeeding is unknown, avoid without doctor’s advice.
Sang Bai Pi vs. Similar Herbs: A Quick Comparison
| Herb | Source | Main Use | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sang Bai Pi | Mulberry root bark | Lung heat, swelling | Cool, sweet |
| Chen Pi | Citrus peel | Digestion, phlegm | Warm, spicy |
| Ting Li Zi | Pepperweed seed | Severe asthma, fluid | Strong, cold |
Sang Bai Pi’s gentler touch makes it a lung-soothing star, while Chen Pi tackles your gut, and Ting Li Zi hits harder for serious fluid issues.
Quick Q&A
Q: Can Sang Bai Pi lower blood pressure?
A: Traditionally, yes—it promotes urination to ease pressure. But evidence is thin, so don’t swap it for your pills without a doctor’s OK.
Q: How’s it different from Chen Pi?
A: Sang Bai Pi cools the lungs; Chen Pi warms the stomach. One’s for coughs, the other’s for bloating—different teams, same goal of balance.
Q: Is it safe for kids?
A: Only with a pro’s guidance—doses need tweaking for little lungs.
The Bottom Line
Sang Bai Pi, or White Mulberry Root-Bark, blends ancient wisdom with modern curiosity. It’s a lung-loving, water-moving herb with potential perks like calming coughs, cutting swelling, and maybe even taming blood sugar or inflammation. But it’s not a magic bullet—risks like drug clashes and its “cold” nature mean it’s not for everyone.
Thinking of trying it? Chat with a healthcare provider or TCM expert first. They’ll help you weigh its promise against its pitfalls, ensuring it fits your unique health puzzle.
Trusted Sources
- https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E6%A1%91%E7%99%BD%E7%9A%AE/3161788 ↩︎
- https://www.zysj.com.cn/zhongyaocai/sangbaipi/index.html ↩︎
- https://yibian.hopto.org/db/?yno=235 ↩︎
- https://bowuguan.bucm.edu.cn/kpzl/zyyzs/79984.htm ↩︎
- Tanaka T, Takahashi R. Flavonoids and asthma. Nutrients. 2013 Jun 10;5(6):2128-43. doi: 10.3390/nu5062128. PMID: 23752494; PMCID: PMC3725497. ↩︎
- https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E6%B3%BB%E7%99%BD%E6%95%A3/4462093 ↩︎
- 韦启雯.煮点桑白皮消水肿[J].恋爱婚姻家庭(月末), 2019, No.762(09):26-26.DOI:CNKI:SUN:LAHY.0.2019-09-019. ↩︎
- 牛艳,吴广操,郭月婷,等.桑白皮水煎总提物对肾阴虚水肿模型的影响[C]//中国药学会第十三届青年药学科研成果交流会论文集.2016. ↩︎
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30470128/ ↩︎
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5321430/ ↩︎
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1472-6882-14-200 ↩︎
- https://portal.smu.edu.cn/lnzcykpjd/info/1051/1089.htm ↩︎
- https://m.baidu.com/bh/m/detail/ar_6883088667845410595(Sun Lianqing, Chief Physician, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University) ↩︎
