Zhe Bei Mu
Fritillaria thunbergii Miq.
โฏ TCM Properties
Clears Heat and Transforms Phlegm; Stops Cough; Clears toxins and disperses abscesses; Dissipates Nodules and Softens Hardness
Botanical Description
Fritillaria thunbergii, the Zhejiang fritillary, is a bulbous perennial herb of the Liliaceae family growing 50 to 80 cm tall from a flattened scaly bulb 2 to 5 cm across composed of two to three thick fleshy white scales that readily separate. Stems are erect, slender, simple, and glabrous. Leaves are linear to linear-lanceolate, 7 to 15 cm long; the lowermost are opposite or in whorls of three, while the upper leaves are usually in whorls of three to four with the uppermost tendril-tipped and coiling at the apex. Two to six pendulous broadly bell-shaped flowers are borne in the upper leaf axils; the six pale yellow-green tepals, about 2.5 to 3.5 cm long, are faintly tessellated with darker veins. The fruit is a six-winged erect capsule. Cultivated principally in Zhejiang.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Zhe Bei Mu (Zhejiang fritillary bulb) is a cold, bitter herb that clears Heat and transforms Phlegm-Heat more powerfully than its relative Chuan Bei Mu. It is the preferred fritillary for acute, excess-type conditions โ cough with yellow, thick phlegm from Lung Heat, and for softening and dispersing thyroid nodules, lymph node swellings, and breast lumps from Phlegm-Heat accumulation. Its stronger Heat-clearing and Phlegm-dissolving action is suited to robust constitutions and acute presentations.
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.