Chestnut Husk Whole (Castanea Mollissima)

Chestnut Husk Whole (Castanea mollissima) is the dried outer shell of the Chinese chestnut, traditionally used in Chinese, Korean, and folk herbal medicine for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties. Known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Li Zi Ke, the husk—often referred to as the pericarp or shell—has long been valued for its role in supporting urinary, skin, and digestive health, as well as for dispelling dampness and relieving swelling.

In TCM, Chestnut Husk is considered bitter, astringent, and neutral, entering the Lung, Spleen, and Large Intestine channels. It is used to stop bleeding, reduce inflammation, and treat damp-heat conditions such as eczema, swelling, or hemorrhoids. When decocted, it helps clear heat toxins from the skin and intestines and can be used externally as a wash or poultice for wounds and sores.

In East Asian folk medicine, the dried husk or shell is also employed to tighten tissues and tone the skin, making it a natural astringent for minor irritations and excessive oiliness. It is sometimes combined with herbs like Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bai) or Sophora Root (Ku Shen) in topical blends for itching, dampness, and swelling relief.

Modern research indicates that Castanea mollissima husks are rich in tannins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and astringent activities. These compounds help explain its traditional use in skin health, inflammation control, and wound healing.

Each batch of Chestnut Husk Whole (Castanea mollissima) is carefully cleaned, sun-dried, and hand-selected to preserve its natural brown tone, coarse texture, and tannin-rich integrity. When decocted, it yields a deep, earthy, slightly bitter infusion traditionally used in skin-clearing and inflammation-reducing formulas.