Pistacia weinmannifolia J. Poiss. ex Franch.
Aliases：Qīng Xiāng Mù (Fragrant Wood), Kūn Míng Wū Mù (Kunming Ebony), Zǐ Yóu Shù (Oil Seed Tree), Qīng Xiāng Shù (Fragrant Tree), Xiāng Yè Shù (Fragrant-leaf Tree), Xì Yè Kǎi Mù (Fine-leaved Kaimu), Zǐ Yè (Purple Leaf), Jiǎ Chūn (False Chinaberry). In the timber trade, it is also commonly known as “Hǔ Bān Mù” (Tiger Grain Wood).
Zǐ Yóu Mù is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the tender leaf tip of Pistacia weinmannifolia J. Poiss. ex Franch., a plant belonging to the genus Pistacia of the family Anacardiaceae. Its bark (Zǐ Yóu Mù Pí) is also used medicinally. This plant is a shrub or small tree, 2–8 meters tall, rarely reaching 10–15 meters; the bark is grey, with brown lenticels on the branchlets and greyish-yellow pubescence on young branches. The leaves are alternate, even-pinnately compound, with 4–9 pairs of leaflets and a narrowly winged rachis; the leaflets are leathery, oblong or obovate-oblong, 1.3–3.5 cm long and 0.8–1.5 cm wide.
Efficacy & Actions
Zǐ Yóu Mù (tender leaf tips): Clears heat, removes dampness, and relieves food stagnation. It is also recorded as clearing heat, detoxifying, and astringing to stop bleeding. Zǐ Yóu Mù Pí (bark): Astringes to stop bleeding.
Indications
Zǐ Yóu Mù (tender leaf tips): Indicated for dysentery, diarrhea, food stagnation, eczema, and urticaria (hives). It may also be used for enteritis, sores, and eczema. Zǐ Yóu Mù Pí (bark): Indicated for traumatic bleeding.
Modern Pharmacology
Currently, specific modern pharmacological research on Zǐ Yóu Mù is relatively limited. Its traditional therapeutic effects are primarily based on traditional Chinese medical theory and clinical experience. Modern research has shown that the wood of Pistacia weinmannifolia (Qīng Xiāng Mù, also known as Zǐ Yóu Mù) is tough, durable, and resistant to insects and termites. Its leaves can be used to extract aromatic oil, and in folk medicine, the leaves are ground into powder to make incense. Its fragrance has calming, sedative, and soothing effects, and has been used to treat headaches, insomnia, and other conditions.
Ingredients
Currently, specific research on the chemical constituents of Zǐ Yóu Mù is limited, and the specific active components contained in it require further analysis and confirmation. It is known that its leaves can be used to extract aromatic oil, and its seeds can be pressed for oil. The heartwood is dark red in color.
Usage & Dosage
Zǐ Yóu Mù (tender leaf tips): For oral administration: decoct in water, 9–15 g. Some sources also document 3–5 qián (approximately 9–15 g). For external use: apply an appropriate amount, decocted in water for washing; or crush fresh leaves and apply as a poultice. Zǐ Yóu Mù Pí (bark): For external use: grind into powder and sprinkle on the affected area.
Contraindications
There are currently no clear contraindications documented for Zǐ Yóu Mù; it is recommended to consult a TCM practitioner before use. Zǐ Yóu Mù Pí (bark) is for external use only and should not be taken orally.
Selected Formulas
For dysentery and diarrhea (empirical formula) Take 9–15g of Ziyoumu (Pistacia weinmannifolia) leaves, decoct in water and drink. May also be combined with Baitouweng (Pulsatilla), Huanglian (Coptis), Jinyinhua (Honeysuckle), Shaoyao (Peony), Zhishi (Bitter orange), Muxiang (Costus root), and Binlang (Areca seed). For food stagnation (empirical formula) Take 9–15g of Ziyoumu leaves, decoct in water and drink. For eczema and urticaria (empirical formula) Take an appropriate amount of Ziyoumu leaves, decoct in water and wash the affected area externally. For traumatic bleeding (empirical formula) Take Ziyoumu bark, grind into powder, and sprinkle over the wound.
Daily Consumption
For dysentery and diarrhea (empirical formula): Take 9–15 g of Zǐ Yóu Mù (Pistacia weinmannifolia) leaves, decoct in water and drink. May also be combined with Bái Tóu Wēng (Pulsatilla), Huáng Lián (Coptis), Jīn Yín Huā (Honeysuckle), Sháo Yào (Peony), Zhǐ Shí (Bitter orange), Mù Xiāng (Costus root), and Bīng Láng (Areca seed). For food stagnation (empirical formula): Take 9–15 g of Zǐ Yóu Mù leaves, decoct in water and drink. For eczema and urticaria (empirical formula): Take an appropriate amount of Zǐ Yóu Mù leaves, decoct in water and wash the affected area externally. For traumatic bleeding (empirical formula): Take Zǐ Yóu Mù bark, grind into powder, and sprinkle over the wound.
Medicinal Parts
Zǐ Yóu Mù: The tender leaf tips of Pistacia weinmannifolia J. Poiss. ex Franch., a plant belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. Zǐ Yóu Mù Pí: The bark of the same plant.
Selection & Storage
Store in a ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture.
