White Mulberry (Morus alba)

White Mulberry (Morus alba) is a member of the Moraceae family, native to Asia, Eastern Asia, and China. Traditionally, its leaves, fruits, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, japanese kampo medicine, and european herbal medicine.

White Mulberry (Morus alba) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — White Mulberry (Morus alba) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	White Mulberry
Scientific Name	Morus alba
Plant Family	Moraceae
Genus	Morus
Species	alba
Native Range	Asia, Eastern Asia, China
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Fruits, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine, European Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Morus alba
Common Name: White Mulberry
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Common Mulberry, Morus, Silk Cotton Tree
Plant Family: Moraceae
Genus: Morus

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 10 to 30 meters.
Leaves: Ovate leaves with serrated margins, upper surface pale green, lower surface white pubescent.
Flowers: Flowers are actinomorphic, white, solitary, with five sepals and five petals, each petal narrowly ovate with a distinct midrib.
Stems: Woody, erect, branched, with smooth, grayish bark, and opposite leaf arrangement.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
European Herbal Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a gentle anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a moderate tonic, for foundational support.
Diuretic: Historically regarded as a warming diuretic, for moisture-related balance.
Expectorant: In herbal literature, noted as a mild expectorant, in chest-related herbal contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Tannin: High-molecular-weight phenolic compounds found in many plant species.
Phenolic Acid: Organic acids commonly occurring as part of plant secondary metabolism.
Coumarin: Organic compounds biosynthesized as part of plant secondary metabolism.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Caution is advised in certain contexts based on traditional use and available information.
Contraindications: Available information does not clearly establish contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.
Culinary Use: Leaves, flowers, or roots are used as ingredients in culinary preparations.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.