$6.95 USA Shipping • 90-Day Hassle-Free Returns

Home » Bai He – Lily Bulb – Bulbus Lilii

Bai He – Lily Bulb – Bulbus Lilii

Showing all 2 results

Bai He

English Name: lily bulb

Pharmaceutical Name: Bulbus Lilii

Medica Category: Yin-Tonifying Herbs

Properties: Bai He enters the Lung and Heart channels; it is sweet in nature and cool in temperature.

What is Bai He?:

The Chinese Herb Bai He is the fleshy bud scales of lily bulb. In the traditional practice of TCM, Bai He was derived from the Hong Kong (or Brown’s) lily—Lilium brownii, a species of lily native to parts of China, Hong Kong, and other parts of Southeast Asia. Although it is still used medicinally, more commonly the tiger lily (L. lancifolium) is now cultivated in most parts of China as the herb of commerce. A third species, L. pumilum (or coral lily) is native to Siberia and the North of China and is also considered a standard medicinal species.

Lily bulbs are sweet and often consumed as food in the summer (as they are moistening and refreshing)—they can be eaten fresh, cooked into porridge or congee, cooked in sugar water (as a treat), or ground into flour for other cooking purposes. For medicinal purposes, lily bulbs are harvested in the fall and can be used fresh (as a topical or in the form of food) or dried so that they can be decocted with other herbs in formula.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapeutic Actions of Bai He:

Cool in nature and mild in its action, Bai He moistens the Lung and tonifies qi to address chronic dry cough with shortness of breath, dyspnea, and scanty, difficult to expectorate sputum (that may be streaked with blood). Stir-frying Bai He in honey strengthens this action. See the formula Bai He Gu JIn Tang—Lily Bulb Decoction to Preserve the Metal for further information on how Bai He benefits Lung yin.

Bai He nourishes Heart yin and clears Heart heat to calm restless shen (spirit) that manifests as difficulty concentrating, disorientation in speech and action, insomnia, restlessness, and palpitations. Secondary symptoms that may present are a bitter taste in the mouth, dark, yellow urine, and a thin and rapid pulse (i.e. all heat signs).

Bai He is used in China to harmonize the middle jiao and ease pain associated with Stomach yin deficiency and is often used in the late-stages of atrophic gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancer to relieve pain.

–safety/clinical notes:

Contraindicated for persons with deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach, diarrhea, or loose stools.

Contraindicated for cough due to wind-cold or phlegm accumulation.

Bai He has a potential sedative effect and should be used with caution by those operating heavy machinery.

Articles Related To Tag: Bai He – Lily Bulb – Bulbus Lilii

  • Chinese Herbs for a Restorative Postpartum

    For expecting moms, pregnancy and preparing for your baby is just the beginning of your new life as a mother – and your new body.  In the weeks that follow the birth of your baby, you are also reborn as a new version of yourself. While this is an incredible transition, it can come with…

  • 10 Natural Topical Treatments for Joint Pain

    If you’ve ever struggled with joint pain, you know how it can turn even the simplest daily tasks into aggravating challenges. Reaching for an over-the-counter pain reliever is a common first step for many arthritis and joint pain sufferers, but if you’re reading this, you might be curious about natural alternatives. The good news is…

  • Chinese Herbs for Stroke Recovery and Prevention

    A stroke is a serious medical event with some potentially serious consequences. But did you know that taking quick, restorative action after a stroke can help reduce the lingering effects of stroke? Or that there are ways you can reduce your risk of stroke – including taking Chinese herbal medicine? While modern medicine has made…

  • Best Chinese Herbs for Adrenal Fatigue
    Best Chinese Herbs for Adrenal Fatigue

    These days, trying to stay on top of a successful career, a clean home, a vibrant social life, and healthy habits can feel impossible. We burn the candle at both ends to try to have it all, which leaves many of us feeling burned out. As a result, conditions like adrenal fatigue are skyrocketing. Feeling…

  • The Best Chinese Herbs for Gout
    The Best Chinese Herbs for Gout

    Gout, a painful form of arthritis, is becoming increasingly common worldwide. In fact, over 8.3 million Americans suffer from this burning toe pain every year. Thankfully, Chinese herbs for gout offer a safe and natural way to ease the pain. The usual treatments for gout often involve medications, which can have side effects and don’t…