Hyacinth bean (bian dou)

Lablab purpureus (syn. Dolichos lablab)

Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens the spleen and drains dampness in summer heat with diarrhoea and vomiting.

Safety notes

Toxic raw: always soak long and cook well. Not with alternating fever and chills or with cold. 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

Seed, well cooked. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that cool summer heat'. According to Chinese medicine the white beans (bai bian dou) strengthen the spleen and dispel summer heat, for diarrhoea and nausea in summer. In India and Africa lablab is a common pulse.

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: sweet, slightly warm
Meridians: spleen, stomach

Attributed effects

For summer heat with dampness, diarrhoea and vomiting; dry-roasted also for chronic diarrhoea, rumbling bowels and discharge from spleen deficiency.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 6–18 g a day, usually in a decoction. Soak for at least 4 hours and boil for at least an hour before other herbs are added. For stomach flu: eat 50 g of well-cooked beans spread over the day.

Combinations

With qing hao and xiang ru for summer heat

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction
Formulas: Shen ling bai zhu san

Sources

All herbs from Asia →