Mahonia Leaf Whole (Mahonia Bealei)

Mahonia Leaf Whole (Mahonia bealei) is the dried foliage of a sharp-leafed evergreen shrub traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its heat-clearing, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties. Known in TCM as Gong Lao Ye, this bitter, cooling leaf has been valued for centuries for its ability to clear damp-heat, support liver and gallbladder health, and relieve skin and digestive irritation.

In TCM, Mahonia Leaf is classified as bitter and cold, entering the Liver, Gallbladder, and Stomach channels. It is used to clear heat toxins, reduce inflammation, and regulate dampness, making it especially useful for jaundice, digestive discomfort, red/swollen eyes, eczema, and skin eruptions caused by heat or damp-heat accumulation. It is also used externally as a wash or compress for boils, sores, rashes, and inflammatory skin conditions.

Mahonia species contain berberine, the same potent alkaloid found in herbs like Coptis (Huang Lian) and Berberis, giving the leaves strong antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory actions. Traditionally, the leaf was considered a gentler, more accessible form of these stronger heat-clearing herbs, suitable for both internal detoxification and topical applications.

Modern phytochemical studies show that Mahonia bealei is rich in berberine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine, and various polyphenols, supporting its traditional use for liver support, digestive balance, immune modulation, and skin health. These compounds contribute to its effectiveness in damp-heat conditions, microbial imbalance, and inflammatory skin issues.

Each batch of Mahonia Leaf Whole (Mahonia bealei) is carefully harvested and shade-dried to preserve its deep green color, sharp leaf structure, and high berberine content. When decocted, it produces a bitter, cooling infusion used in detoxifying teas, topical washes, and heat-clearing formulas.