hu po

琥珀·Succinum

Amber

About hu po

Hu Po (琥珀) is amber, fossilised tree resin, recorded as Succinum. It is sweet in flavour and neutral in temperature, entering the Heart, Liver and Bladder channels. The catalogue files it among the heavy substances that anchor, settle and calm the Spirit.

Names

Pinyinhu po
Chinese琥珀
Latin NameSuccinum
English NameAmber
Japanesekohaku
Koreanhobak

Classification

Category
Anchor, Settle and Calm Spirit
Channels
Heart, Bladder, Liver
Flavour
Sweet
Temperature
Neutral
Tags
Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Settles palpitations, stops tremors and spasms, and calms the Shen

  • Disturbed Shen with palpitations and anxiety, heavy dreaming, insomnia, forgetfulness or seizures
  • Convulsions and seizures in children from Heart Blood deficiency with internal Wind
  • Epilepsy

Invigorates Blood, dissipates stasis and unblocks menstruation

  • Amenorrhea, or pain with fixed, palpable masses, from Blood stasis; may be used alone
  • Coronary artery disease, supporting the Heart alongside other Blood-moving herbs

Promotes urination and relieves painful urinary dysfunction

  • Urinary retention or painful urination, especially Blood Lin with blood in the urine

Reduces swelling and promotes healing (topical)

  • Sores, carbuncles and skin ulcers, dusted with the powder
  • Painful swellings of the vulva or scrotum

Combinations

Dosage

AgeRawGranuleTinctureConcentrateFrequency
Any Powder or Pill: 1.5-3g; Do not decoct or calcine1.5-3 g————

Cautions

Interactions

Drug interactions