Bai He (Lilii Bulbus)

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.

Bǎi Hé  ·  百合

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.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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