- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (China, Korea, Japan)
- Other names
- Jie geng
Asia · Herb · № 310
Platycodon grandiflorus
Herb · Asia
Balloon flower
Platycodon grandiflorus
Traditionally attributed effects: expectorant, antifungal, antibacterial, lowers blood sugar.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Chinese materia medica: Not with blood in the coughed-up phlegm.
Preparation
Root.
Use in traditions
Described in herbal medicine (Western, Chinese and Ayurvedic). In Chinese medicine the root (jie geng) is a remedy for cough with phlegm and sore throat, among others in Jie Geng Tang. In Korea the root is eaten as doraji in salads, and there is a well-known folk song about it.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Expectorant, antifungal, antibacterial, lowers blood sugar.
Preparation and amount
Root.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- pungent, bitter, neutral
- Meridians
- lung
Attributed effects
Jie geng opens the lungs, drains phlegm and pus from lungs and throat and directs the action of a formula to the upper body; depending on the combination for cold or heat.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 3–9 g a day, usually in a decoction.
Combinations
- With apricot kernel, perilla leaf and tangerine peel for cough from wind-cold
- With mulberry leaf and gua lou for cough from wind-heat
- With figwort, licorice and burdock seed for sore throat and hoarseness
Caution: Not with blood in the coughed-up phlegm.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Decoction