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Bai Qian白前

Cynanchi Stauntonii Radix et Rhizoma · Willowleaf Swallowwort Root · Cynanchum Stauntonii Rhizome

Herbs that Transform Phlegm and Stop Coughing 化痰止咳平喘药《名医别录》

Overview

A Lung-channel cough herb of unusually even temperament: only slightly warm, it directs rebellious Lung qi downward and loosens phlegm, so it can be built into cough formulas of either cold or hot type once the right partners are added. The dry-fried form is easier on a weak stomach; the honey-fried form gains a moistening, cough-quieting quality suited to dry or lingering cough.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, bitter · Slightly warm

Channels

Lung

Typical Dosage

3–10 g in decoction
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Actions

3 core actions

  • Directs Lung qi downward, stops coughCough and wheezing with a full, oppressed chest, where Lung qi is rebelling upward instead of descending.
  • Loosens and expels phlegmCopious phlegm that is difficult to bring up; because its temperature is mild it suits cold-phlegm and heat-phlegm cough alike, given appropriate partners.
  • Processed forms differDry-fried is gentler on the stomach and preferred where there is nausea; honey-fried moistens the Lung and is chosen for dry, chronic or deficiency-tinged cough.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Bai Qian

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Cough with copious sputum and chest oppression
    - Wheezing from Lung qi failing to descend
    - Lingering or dry cough (honey-fried form)

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Productive coughBronchitisWheezing

Contraindications

Cautions

Descending and dispersing rather than supplementing: it is not the herb for dry cough of yin deficiency or for cough from qi deficiency when used alone. The unprocessed root can irritate the stomach — choose the dry-fried or honey-fried form where digestion is weak or nausea is present. Do not confuse it with Bai Wei 白薇 or Xu Chang Qing 徐长卿, related Cynanchum species with quite different actions.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Not a classical pregnancy contraindication — practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Ming Yi Bie Lu《名医别录》(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.