Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Record

Broussonetia papyrifera

Read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Internal use should be supervised by a healthcare professional or trained practitioner, as modern safety data are limited. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid due to lack of reliable safety data. Do not use in children without specialized advice. Fresh sap may be irritating to some sensitive skin; a preliminary skin test is recommended.

Decoction — Dried Fruit

Traditional fruit decoction

Dried fruits are gently boiled in water for a few minutes, according to uses documented in ancient Chinese medicine. This preparation was reserved for occasional use and supervised by an experienced practitioner. Dosage should be validated with a healthcare professional or a recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Compress — Bark and Sap

Soothing external application

Fresh bark or sap was applied as a compress directly to the affected skin area, after cleaning the skin. A patch test on a small area is advisable before any broader application. Dosage should be validated with a healthcare professional or a recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to Find It

Sourcing the plant

Paper mulberry can be found naturalized in certain temperate regions, but its dried fruits and bark are mainly available from herbalists specializing in East Asian plants.

Harvest Season

When to harvest it

Fruits are harvested when ripe in late summer, while bark is preferably collected in spring, before the full sap rise.

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