Wiseman’s Chinese Medical Database

xiè bái / 薤白 / 薤白 / long-stamen onion [bulb];

Latin pharmacognostic name: Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus

Alternate English names: Chinese chive [bulb]

Alternate Chinese names: 薤根 xiè gēn; 野蒜 yě suàn; 小独蒜 xiǎo dú suàn; 宅蒜 zhái suàn; 薤白头 xiè bái tóu

Origin: Plant

Use: medicinal

Category: Qì-rectifying agents

Properties: Acrid, bitter; warm.

Channel entry: lung, stomach, and large intestine channels.

Indications:

• Frees yáng and disperses binds: Chest impediment patterns.
• Moves qì and abducts stagnation: Glomus, fullness, distension, and pain in the stomach duct and abdomen; diarrhea or dysentery with tenesmus.

Dosage & Method:

Oral: 5–10g in decoctions.

Warning:

Unsuitable for patients with qì vacuity in the absence of stagnation or for stomach vacuity with torpid intake.

Quality:

Best are large plump hard bulbs that are yellowish white in color, semi-translucent, and without stems.

Product Area:

Manchuria, Húběi, Jiāngsū, Húběi, Zhèjiāng.