The Role of Chinese Gall in Herbal Medicine

In the vast and time-honored world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), many natural ingredients have stood the test of time. Among them, Chinese gall—known as “Wu Bei Zi” in Chinese—has been used for centuries for its unique medicinal properties. This intriguing botanical is gaining renewed attention in the modern wellness landscape for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties.

At the forefront of preserving and promoting these ancient healing practices is Qianbu, a company deeply rooted in TCM research, production, and health product innovation. Qianbu’s mission is to blend traditional wisdom with modern science to deliver authentic and effective herbal solutions to global consumers.

What Is Chinese Gall?

Chinese gall is a type of plant gall formed on the leaves or twigs of certain oak trees, most commonly the Rhus chinensis or Rhus potaninii species, when they are parasitized by aphids (notably Melaphis chinensis). These galls are harvested, dried, and ground for medicinal use.

Despite its unusual origin, Chinese gall is prized in herbal medicine for its high tannin content—ranging from 50% to 70%—which gives it potent astringent and antimicrobial properties.

Key Medicinal Properties of Chinese Gall

1. Astringent Effect

Thanks to its tannin-rich profile, Chinese gall is widely used to treat conditions involving excessive discharge or leakage, such as:

Chronic diarrhea

Night sweats

Vaginal discharge

Bleeding gums or ulcers

The astringent property helps tighten tissues and reduce secretions, making it valuable in various internal and external applications.

2. Antibacterial and Antiviral Benefits

Chinese gall has shown strong antibacterial effects against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Helicobacter pylori. It's also being studied for its potential to:

Inhibit viral replication

Enhance immune defense

Support gut health

Qianbu integrates such findings into the development of modern herbal extracts and natural antimicrobial formulas.

3. Anti-inflammatory and Wound Healing

Topical preparations made from Chinese gall are used to:

Treat skin ulcers, eczema, and burns

Promote healing of wounds

Reduce inflammation and itching

In Qianbu’s product lines, it is often paired with complementary herbs to enhance skin barrier repair and reduce microbial infection.

4. Oral and Dental Care

Due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory qualities, Chinese gall is commonly found in traditional remedies for:

Mouth ulcers

Gingivitis

Toothaches

Bad breath

Modern TCM-based brands like Qianbu are exploring its use in natural oral rinse products and herbal toothpaste formulas.

Applications in TCM Formulations

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese gall is used in formulas such as:

Wubeizi San (Chinese Gall Powder): For bleeding and ulcers

Lian Mei Tang (Lianmei Decoction): For chronic diarrhea with Qi deficiency

External wash formulas for skin lesions, infections, and eczema

Qianbu emphasizes quality and authenticity in sourcing Chinese gall, ensuring their products retain the full spectrum of active constituents through low-temperature extraction and strict quality control.

Modern Innovations by Qianbu

As part of its mission to modernize herbal medicine, Qianbu integrates Chinese gall into several product categories:

TCM granules for clinical use

Topical herbal creams for skin and oral care

Natural supplements focused on gastrointestinal and immune support

Herbal sprays and washes for external bacterial and fungal conditions

Qianbu also invests in clinical research partnerships and standardized extraction processes, helping validate and preserve the traditional uses of Chinese gall while making them suitable for modern healthcare systems.

Safety and Usage Tips

While Chinese gall is a powerful herbal agent, it should be used with care:

Dosage matters: Overuse may cause gastrointestinal irritation due to its high tannin levels.

Should be used under professional guidance, especially in internal formulations.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a practitioner before use.

Qianbu’s professionally formulated products are designed to ensure safe and effective dosage for consumers, guided by both ancient texts and modern pharmacological research.

Conclusion

Chinese gall stands as a testament to the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine, offering a range of therapeutic effects from wound healing to digestive regulation. As TCM continues to gain international recognition, companies like Qianbu play a crucial role in preserving the efficacy and purity of time-honored herbs while innovating for a modern audience.

With a commitment to quality, authenticity, and scientific validation, Qianbu ensures that herbal ingredients like Chinese gall continue to benefit the health and well-being of people around the world.

Plants in TCM: Unique Properties and Their Therapeutic Applications