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Cura x Cura

Xie Bai薤白

Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus · Chinese Chive Bulb · Long-Stamen Onion Bulb

Herbs that Regulate the Qi 理气药《神农本草经》

Overview

The bulb of long-stamen chive, acrid, bitter and warm, and the classic herb for chest bi — the tight, oppressive chest pain that arises when chest yang fails to spread and phlegm-turbidity blocks the space. Zhang Zhong-jing paired it with Gua Lou and wine, and that arrangement still underlies its use today. It also moves stagnant qi in the intestines for dysenteric tenesmus.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, bitter · Warm

Channels

Lung · Stomach · Large Intestine

Typical Dosage

5–9 g in decoction
薤白Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Unblocks yang, dissipates clumpingChest bi with oppression and pain radiating to the back, shortness of breath and a white greasy tongue coating.
  • Moves qi, resolves stagnationTenesmus and heavy, incomplete stools in dysenteric disorder.
  • Transforms phlegm-turbidityCough and wheezing with a full chest and copious sputum.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Xie Bai

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Chest bi: tight, oppressive chest pain, pain to the back, shortness of breath
    - Cough and wheezing with chest fullness and copious sputum
    - Dysenteric disorder with tenesmus

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

AnginaCoronary heart diseaseChronic bronchitisDysentery

Contraindications

Cautions

Acrid, warm and pungent: it can irritate a weak stomach, and is used cautiously where qi is deficient without stagnation, or where yin is deficient with heat. Chest pain is not something to self-treat — new, severe or exertion-related chest pain needs emergency assessment.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific 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.