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Photo of Pseudolarix Bark

Pseudolarix Bark

土荆皮 · Tǔ Jīng Pí

Topical remedy for itchy fungal skin

Properties

WarmingWarming botanicalPungent

Concerns

Skin

What it does

Pseudolarix bark targets fungal skin infections: scab, lichen, eczema, neurodermatitis, and ringworm. In TCM, it kills surface parasites and relieves stubborn itch. Almost always applied topically, since internal use is too irritating. Modern Chinese dermatology uses pseudolarix topicals as an alternative to clotrimazole.

How to take it

Topical

Apply pseudolarix tincture (Tu Jin Pi Ding) directly to fungal skin patches 2–3 times daily until clear. Or grind dried bark into paste with vinegar.

Try a pseudolarix tincture from a Chinese pharmacy for athlete's foot

Safety

  • Toxic if swallowed. Strictly topical use
  • Skip during pregnancy
  • Test small skin patch before broader topical use
  • Stop if you develop rash or burning at application site
  • Talk to your doctor before starting medicinal use, especially if you take medication

Where it comes from

Pseudolarix (Pseudolarix amabilis) is a deciduous conifer native to eastern China, sometimes called the 'golden larch.' The bark is harvested in summer and dried for medicinal use. The active compound pseudolaric acid has documented antifungal effects in lab studies. Modern Chinese pharmacy includes pseudolarix tinctures (Tu Jin Pi Ding) as a topical antifungal, especially for athlete's foot and ringworm.