Nut Gall Pieces (Rhus chinensis), also known as Chinese Galls or Wǔ Bèi Zǐ (五倍子) in Traditional Chinese Medicine, are unusual plant growths formed when aphids infest the leaves of the Chinese sumac tree. These hard, irregularly shaped structures are highly valued for their astringent, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, due to their extremely high tannin content.
In TCM, Nut Gall is used to stabilize and bind, helping to treat chronic diarrhea, excessive sweating, urinary incontinence, and bleeding. It is also commonly applied topically for ulcers, sores, and gum disease, and included in oral hygiene products for its strong antimicrobial action.
The pieces are dark, dense, and rich in gallic acid, giving them a potent flavor and effect. Nut Gall is used with caution and typically in small doses, often combined with herbs that guide and soften its strong astringency.
Each lot of Nut Gall Pieces (Rhus chinensis) is sustainably sourced and dried to preserve its astringent power and traditional energetic character. This is a strong, classic astringent ingredient in both internal and external applications.