Zhe Bei Mu (浙貝母), the bulb of Fritillaria thunbergii, clears heat and transforms phlegm-heat and dissipates nodules; stronger and more draining than Chuan Bei Mu, it suits excess phlegm-heat and abscesses.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Fritillaria thunbergii (Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii)
Common English Name
Zhejiang fritillary bulb
Taste
Bitter
Temperature
Cold
Channels Entered
Lung, Heart
Actions & Functions
- Clears heat and transforms phlegm-heat (excess)
- Dissipates nodules and reduces abscesses (scrofula, breast and Lung abscess)
Indications
Phlegm-heat cough with thick yellow sputum; wind-heat cough; and scrofula, breast abscess and Lung abscess.
Dosage
3-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Xuan Shen and Mu Li (Xiao Luo Wan) for scrofula.
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in cold-phlegm and deficiency cough. Classically incompatible with Wu Tou (aconite).
Acupuncture Times Your guide to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and TCM — explore acupoints, herbs and formulas, plus the latest acupuncture research news.