Bai Bu
Stemona sessilifolia (Miq.) Miq., Stemona japonica (Bl.) Miq., Stemona tuberosa Lour.
☯ TCM Properties
Moistens the Lungs and Descends Qi; Kills Parasites and Eliminates Lice
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Stemona sessilifolia (Miq.) Miq., S. japonica (Blume) Miq., and S. tuberosa Lour. (Stemonaceae) are perennial herbaceous twining vines native to East and Southeast Asia, climbing 1-5 m by slender stems with opposite or whorled, parallel-veined ovate-lanceolate leaves and small greenish-purple axillary flowers. The plants bear a cluster of fleshy, spindle-shaped tuberous roots at the base, which constitute the medicinal Bai Bu. The roots are dug in spring or autumn, briefly blanched in boiling water, and dried in the sun, becoming pale yellow to brown, shriveled, and wrinkled longitudinally. They contain a complex of Stemona alkaloids (stemonine, tuberostemonine, stemonidine, neotuberostemonine) responsible for both antitussive and insecticidal activity. In traditional Chinese medicine, Bai Bu is sweet, bitter, and slightly warm, entering the lung channel; it moistens the lungs, descends qi, and stops cough, used for all types of cough both new and chronic, and is also applied externally and orally to kill parasites (head lice, pinworms, body lice).
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Qiao Mai (buckwheat) is a cool, sweet-slightly-astringent food-herb used in Chinese medicine to clear Damp-Heat, promote urination, and consolidate the intestines to relieve diarrhea. It is also applied for swellings, boils, and scalds both internally and topically. As a common grain with mild medicinal properties, it is consumed as a dietary staple with particular benefit during hot, damp conditions or in those with heat-type digestive complaints.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.