Xylaria nigripes (Klotzsch) Cooke
Aliases：Di Tan Gun (Ground Charcoal Stick)、Wu Ling Shen、Ji Fu Ling (Chicken Poria)、Lei Zhen Zi (Thunderclap Seed)、Wu Li Shen、Ji Zong Dan (Chicken Mushroom Egg)
Wulingshen (Xylaria Nigripes Sclerotium) is a Chinese medicinal herb that calms the spirit. It is the dried sclerotium of the fungus Xylaria nigripes (family Xylariaceae).
Efficacy & Actions
Calm the mind, stop bleeding, lower blood pressure.
Indications
Scald、Hypertension、Insomnia、Epistaxis、Palpitations、Hematemesis
Modern Pharmacology
Sedative and hypnotic: Wuling Shen exerts sedative and hypnotic effects by increasing the synthesis of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain and enhancing its receptor activity. It is clinically used for the treatment of insomnia, neurasthenia, etc. Anxiolytic and antidepressant: Clinical studies have shown that Wuling Shen is effective in treating anxiety disorders and depression, improving mood disorders and regulating central nervous system function. Immunomodulatory: Polysaccharides and other active components in Wuling Shen effectively regulate immune function and enhance immunity. Regulation of nervous and endocrine systems: It has broad regulatory effects on the nervous and endocrine systems, helping to maintain body homeostasis. Anti-anemic: It can be used for the treatment of various types of anemia, promoting the recovery of hematopoietic function. Other effects: Modern research also suggests that Wuling Shen has potential antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other effects.
Ingredients
Modern studies have shown that Wuling Shen (Xylaria nigripes) contains a variety of active constituents, mainly including: Polysaccharides: One of its main active components, exhibiting multiple biological activities. Proteins and amino acids: Rich in essential amino acids beneficial to the human body. Nucleosides: Such as adenosine, etc. Inorganic elements: Contains various trace elements including calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, etc. Other components: Such as mannitol, sterols, etc.
Usage & Dosage
1. Internal use: 3–10 g in decoction. 2. External use: Appropriate amount, ground into powder and mixed with sesame oil for topical application.
Contraindications
Contraindications: Contraindicated during pregnancy. Use with caution in cases of Spleen and Stomach deficiency cold. Contraindicated in cases of Yin deficiency and heat patterns. Incompatibility with other Chinese medicinals: Should not be used together with Trogopterus faeces (Wulingzhi) and Veratrum nigrum (Lilu), among others. Adverse reactions: Overdose may cause nausea or diarrhea.
Selected Formulas
1. For insomnia Take 15 g of Wulingshen, combined with 12 g of Fuling (Poria) and other sedative herbs such as Suanzaoren (Ziziphus seed). 2. For insufficient lactation after childbirth Take 25 g of Wulingshen and stew it with one pair of pig front trotters. Consume the soup and meat. 3. For deficiency of both heart and kidney Take one piece of Wulingshen and stew it with one pig heart and one pig kidney. Consume the soup and organ meats. (from Practical Medicinal Diet Encyclopedia)
Daily Consumption
1. Tea / Infusion: Take 3–6 g of dried product, slice or break into pieces, steep in boiling water, cover and let infuse for 10 minutes, then drink as tea. Can be steeped 2–3 times. 2. Decoction: Usual dosage 3–10 g. Add 300–500 ml of water, bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and decoct for 30 minutes. Strain and take warm. Can be used alone or decocted together with Poria and Ziziphus spinosa seed (Suanzaoren). 3. Soup (Medicinal diet): Take 30–60 g, stew for 1–2 hours with chicken, duck, pork ribs, pig heart, or pig kidney. Drink the soup and eat the meat. Suitable for post‑illness debility and postpartum Qi‑Blood deficiency. 4. Wine infusion: Take 30 g of Wuling Shen, 20 g of goji berries, and 500 ml of white liquor (baijiu). Seal and steep for 15–30 days. Take 10–15 ml per day. (Contraindicated for those allergic to alcohol, pregnant women, and those with liver disease.) 5. Wuling Shen Stewed with Pig Heart: Take 15 g of Wuling Shen, half a pig heart, 5 red dates, and 2 slices of fresh ginger. Steam in a double boiler for 1.5 hours. Add salt to taste. Indicated for insomnia, palpitations, and neurasthenia. 6. Wuling Shen Chicken Soup: Take 30 g of Wuling Shen, half an old hen, and 10 g of goji berries. Stew for 2 hours. Used for postpartum debility and convalescence after illness.
Medicinal Parts
sclerotium
Selection & Storage
Dried product (sclerotium): Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place in an airtight container, protected from moisture, mold, and insects. Do not expose to direct sunlight. Fresh product: If short-term storage is needed, wrap and refrigerate (0-4°C); use as soon as possible.