Chuan Bei Mu (川貝母), the bulb of Fritillaria cirrhosa, clears heat and transforms phlegm while moistening the Lung; it is favoured for dry, chronic or deficiency coughs and also dissipates nodules.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Fritillaria cirrhosa (Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae)
Common English Name
Sichuan fritillary bulb
Taste
Bitter, sweet
Temperature
Slightly cold
Channels Entered
Lung, Heart
Actions & Functions
- Clears heat and transforms phlegm; moistens the Lung and stops cough
- Dissipates nodules (scrofula, breast abscess)
Indications
Dry, chronic or deficiency cough with scanty phlegm; phlegm-heat cough; and scrofula and abscesses.
Dosage
3-9 g in decoction, or 1-2 g as powder.
Common Combinations
With Zhi Mu (Er Mu San) for Lung heat cough; in pear syrup for dry cough.
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in cough from cold-damp phlegm. Classically incompatible with Wu Tou (aconite).
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