Blackberry lily (she gan)

Iris domestica (syn. Belamcanda chinensis)

Traditionally attributed effects: cools heat and detoxifies in severe sore throat and cough with much hot phlegm.

Safety notes

Not during pregnancy or for diarrhoea from spleen deficiency. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Rhizome. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that cool heat and detoxify'. She gan is a classic remedy for an inflamed, sore throat and cough with phlegm. The orange, spotted flowers gave the plant its name; in Europe it is an ornamental.

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.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: bitter, cold
Meridians: lung

Attributed effects

For sore throat, acute tonsillitis and laryngitis and cough with much hot phlegm. As a gargle with a little salt and lemon juice.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 3–6 g a day, usually in a decoction.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction

Sources

All herbs from Asia →