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Cura x Cura

Bai Ji⽩芨

Bletillae Rhizoma · Bletilla Rhizome

Herbs that Stop Bleeding 止血药Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing 《神农本草经》

Overview

The tuber of a ground orchid, and one of the most physically distinctive herbs in the dispensary: it is so rich in mucilage that a decoction turns viscous. That stickiness is the medicine — it coats and seals, which is why Bai Ji is the classic choice for bleeding from the Lung and Stomach, and for surfaces that will not close. Bitter, sweet, astringent and slightly cold, it also reduces swelling and encourages granulation when applied externally.

Nature & Flavor

Bitter, sweet, astringent · Slightly cold

Channels

Lung · Liver · Stomach

Typical Dosage

6–15 g in decoction; 3–6 g as powder
⽩芨Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Restrains bleedingCoughing or vomiting of blood, blood in the stool and traumatic bleeding — the powder is often given directly for upper digestive bleeding under supervision.
  • Reduces swelling, generates fleshExternal use on chronic non-healing ulcers, sores, burns and cracked skin of the hands and heels.
  • Protects an irritated surfaceThe mucilage forms a film over inflamed gastric mucosa, which is the practical reason the powder is preferred to the decoction for stomach bleeding.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Bai Ji

No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Coughing or vomiting of blood, under medical assessment
    - Bleeding from trauma and surface wounds
    - Chronic non-healing ulcers and sores, externally
    - Chapped, cracked skin and burns, externally

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

HaemoptysisPeptic ulcer bleedingWound healingBurnsChapped skin

Contraindications

Cautions

Classical incompatibility: Bai Ji is not combined with the aconite group — Chuan Wu, Cao Wu and Fu Zi, raw or processed. It is astringent, so it is held back in the acute stage of a hot sore or a lung abscess where pus still needs to discharge. Any coughing or vomiting of blood must be medically assessed — this herb does not replace that assessment. The mucilage thickens a decoction noticeably, so strain it well.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific pregnancy restriction — practitioner judgment applies.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.