Bai He (百合), the bulb of the lily, moistens the Lung to stop a dry cough and clears the Heart to calm the spirit; classically used for restlessness and emotional disturbance after febrile disease.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Lilium spp. (Bulbus Lilii)
Common English Name
Lily bulb
Taste
Sweet
Temperature
Slightly cold
Channels Entered
Lung, Heart
Actions & Functions
- Moistens the Lung and stops a dry cough
- Clears the Heart and calms the spirit
Indications
Lung yin deficiency with a dry or chronic cough; and Heart and Lung yin deficiency with irritability, insomnia, palpitations and emotional restlessness.
Dosage
6-30 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Sheng Di Huang (Bai He Di Huang Tang) for restlessness from yin deficiency.
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in cough from wind-cold and in diarrhoea from Spleen deficiency.
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