Chestnut inner skin
Aliases：Lì Zǐ Nèi Báo Pí (literally "Chestnut Kernel Thin Skin") and Lì Péng Nèi Gé Duàn Báo Yī (literally "Chestnut Burr Inner Diaphragm Thin Coat"). (These are both descriptive alternative names for Lì Fū, i.e., the inner pericarp of the chestnut Castanea mollissima Bl.)
Lì Fū is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the inner pericarp (i.e., the thin skin covering the kernel) of the chestnut Castanea mollissima Bl., a plant belonging to the family Fagaceae. It was first recorded in Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica) by Li Shizhen.
Efficacy & Actions
Disperses accumulations, descends qi, and beautifies the complexion.
Indications
Bone stuck in the throat: i.e., fish bones or other foreign bodies lodged in the throat. Scrofula: i.e., tuberculous lymphadenitis of the neck. Regurgitation (vomiting). Facial wrinkles.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, the usual dosage is 3–5 g. For topical application: take an appropriate amount, grind into powder, and blow it into the throat (to treat bone stuck in the throat); or mash it and apply externally (to treat scrofula).
Selected Formulas
For a fishbone or foreign body lodged in the throat (empirical formula) Take the thin inner skin of the chestnut (Li Fu), burn it to charcoal while preserving its properties, grind into fine powder, and blow it into the throat. For scrofula (tuberculous lymphadenitis) (empirical formula) Take the thin diaphragm-like skin inside the chestnut burr (Li Fu), crush it, and apply externally.
Medicinal Parts
the thin skin covering the chestnut kernel.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
