Xie Bai
Allium macrostemon Bge.
โฏ TCM Properties
Unblocks Chest Yang and Disperses Bound Knots; Moves Qi and Resolves Stagnation; Warms the Lungs and Transforms Phlegm-Fluids; Relieves distension and alleviates pain
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Allium macrostemon Bunge (Amaryllidaceae), known as Chinese garlic chive or long-stamen onion, is a small bulbous perennial herb native to East Asia and growing wild on grassy slopes, in fields and along roadsides in China, Korea, Japan and parts of Russia. It arises from a slender, ovoid to subglobose bulb 1 to 2 cm in diameter, covered with grayish-black or yellowish membranous tunics, often producing small bulbils. The leaves are basal, two to five, narrowly linear, semi-cylindrical and hollow, 2 to 4 mm wide and 20 to 40 cm long, with a strong onion or garlic odor when bruised. The flowering scape is solitary, slender, erect, 30 to 70 cm tall, terminating in a hemispherical umbel 1.5 to 3 cm across; the umbel often bears purple-tinged bulbils mixed with or replacing the flowers, and individual flowers are bell-shaped with six pale purple to pinkish tepals and conspicuously exserted stamens. The dried bulbs, harvested in early summer, constitute Xie Bai.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 3-9g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Qin Jiao (large-leaf gentian root) is a cool, bitter herb known for clearing Wind-Damp while also clearing deficiency heat. Its unique ability to address both joint conditions and fever patterns makes it versatile: it relieves joint pain and stiffness regardless of whether the pattern is hot or cold, and resolves low-grade fever, afternoon fever, and night sweats from Yin deficiency. Its non-drying nature makes it appropriate for joint conditions with an underlying deficiency component.
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.