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Stemonae Radix
Stemona [root]
百部 〔百部〕 bǎi bù
Alternate Chinese names: 百步 bǎi bù; 百部根 bǎi bù gēn
Kingdom: Plant
Origin in PRC Pharmacopoeia: Stemona japonica (Bl.) Miq.; Stemona sessilifolia (Miq.) Miq.; Stemona tuberosa Lour. (PRC Pharmacopoeia)
Origin in unofficial sources: Stemona japonica (Bl.) Miq.*; Stemona sessilifolia (Miq.) Franch. et Sav.*; Stemona tuberosa Lour.*; Stemona vagula W.W. Smith
Use: Medicinal
Category: Phlegm-transforming cough-relieving panting-calming agents / Cough-relieving panting-calming agents
Properties: Sweet, bitter; slightly warm.
Channel entry: Lung channel.
Actions and indications:
- Moistens the lung and relieves cough: Both recent and enduring cough; whooping cough; pulmonary consumption with cough.
- Kills worms: Pinworm, trichomonas vaginalis, head lice,
scab and lichen.
Dosage and method: Oral: 5–15g in decoctions; also used externally. Bǎi bù should be processed with honey to treat enduring cough in vacuity patterns.
Warnings: Do not use in spleen vacuity with thin sloppy stool.
Product description: This product takes the form of many long spindle-shaped, snake-like roots. Its exterior surface is brown and bears deep creases. It is supple and difficult to break. The decocting pieces are sliced longitudinal sections of the root. Their cut face is yellowish white to brown.
Quality: Large fat white roots without stem bases are the best.
Production area: Táiwān, Húběi, Guǎngxī, Yúnnán, Sìchuān, Guǎngxī, ānhuī, Guìzhōu, Fújiàn.
Etymology: The name bǎi bù 百部, literally hundred divisions,
reflects the many roots the plant has.