Puffball (ma bo)

Calvatia gigantea (en Lasiosphaera fenzlii)

Traditionally attributed effects: cools lung fire in sore throat and hoarseness; the spore powder stops bleeding externally.

Safety notes

Not with hoarseness from chronic cough in wind-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

Ripe fruiting body (spore powder). 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'. The spore powder of the ripe puffball was sprinkled on bleeding wounds and used for sore throat. Puffball powder was also used as a styptic in Europe and among indigenous peoples of North America.

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: pungent, neutral
Meridians: lung

Attributed effects

Cools lung fire in a swollen, painful throat, loss of voice and cough, and stops bleeding from mouth, gums and nose when the powder is applied.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 1–4 g a day, cooked along in a bag. Young puffball is edible; ripe it becomes a ball full of spore powder.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from Asia →