Chinese Gall

(Galla Chinensis)

Chinese Gall original: 五倍子 (wǔbèizǐ) is found in many places, growing upon the leaves of the Sumac tree The text refers to the "Skin-tree" (fūmù), a common name for Rhus chinensis. It produces fruit in the seventh month without flowering; the wood of this tree is greenish-yellow in color. The galls themselves are green when young, turning yellow once ripe; the largest among them reach the size of a fist and contain many insects inside. In the ninth month, these galls are harvested and dried in the sun.

It is also known by the names Clam Gall original: 文蛤 (wéngé), so named because its shape can resemble a clam shell and Hundred Insect Granary original: 百蟲倉 (bǎichóngcāng).

In terms of its medicinal properties, it is bitter and sour in taste, neutral in its "temperature" or nature, and is non-toxic. It is used to treat:

• Swelling and bleeding of the gums original: 齒宣 (chǐxuān).
• Chronic sores or dental decay 𤺊 (nì): a specialized term for corrosive ulcers or childhood malnutrition sores often attributed to "parasites" in ancient medicine.
• Wind-toxins originating in the Lung organ that overflow onto the skin, manifesting as wind-dampness, ringworm, itchy rashes, and weeping abscesses.
• Persistent bleeding from the "five types of hemorrhoids."
• Corrosive sores appearing on the faces and noses of small children.