- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- China
- Traditions
- Chinese medical traditions
Asia · Herb · № 724
Stemona sessilifolia (en S. japonica)
Herb · Asia
Stemona root (bai bu)
Stemona sessilifolia (en S. japonica)
Traditionally attributed effects: moistens the lungs in acute and chronic cough; externally against lice and fleas.
Safety notes
Not for diarrhoea from spleen and stomach deficiency. An overdose can cause breathing problems. 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: Have whooping cough and cough lasting longer than three weeks assessed medically.
Preparation
Root. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.
Use in traditions
Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough'. Bai bu is a classic remedy for chronic cough and whooping cough and is used externally against lice and scabies. It was also used in agriculture as an insecticide.
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, bitter, pungent, slightly warm
- Meridians
- lung
Attributed effects
For acute and chronic cough, especially from deficiency, and whooping cough. Externally as a tincture or strong tea against lice and fleas and as an enema against pinworms.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 3–9 g a day, usually in a decoction.
Combinations
- With American ginseng, ophiopogon and rehmannia for dry cough
Caution: Have whooping cough and cough lasting longer than three weeks assessed medically.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Decoction