Nutgall/Chinese Sumac ~ Galla chinensis

Nutgall/Chinese Sumac

Latin name: Galla chinensis

Family: –

Part used: hard, globular excretions on leaves and stems induced by the larva of Melaphis chinensis

Habitat: grown on lowland, hills and mountains in Japan, China, Indochina, Malaysia, Java, Sumatra

Main constituents: tannin

Energetics: sour, cold

Main herbal actions: astringent

Minor herbal actions: –

Main medicinal uses: diarrhea, dysentery, nocturnal emissions and enuresis, arrests sweating and bleeding, chronic cough

Minor medicinal uses: metrorrhagia, hemorrhoidal bleeding, ulcers, skin infections, tinea, diabetes

Preparations: powder: 3-6 g qd; decoction: 3-6 g; can be used externally and internally

Contraindications: patients with diarrhea or dysentery due to damp heat; sap may cause a skin rash

Toxicity: unknown

Sources: http://www.e2121.com/herb_db/viewherb.php3?viewid=600&setlang=, http://www.newcenturynutrition.com/cgi-local/single_herbs_db/db.cgi?Latin=galla+chinensis&view_