- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- China
- Traditions
- Chinese medical traditions
Asia · Herb · № 721
Typhonium giganteum
Herb · Asia
Typhonium tuber (bai fu zi)
Typhonium giganteum
Traditionally attributed effects: dries dampness and phlegm and expels wind in facial paralysis and convulsions.
Safety notes
Toxic or risky: only under expert supervision. Deliberately no dosage is given here. Not during pregnancy. 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: Toxic: do not use yourself. Have sudden facial paralysis assessed medically at once.
Preparation
Tuber, prepared. Deliberately no dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough'. Bai fu zi is a poisonous tuber that is used processed for phlegm, facial paralysis and headache; it is part of Qian Zheng San. Externally it is laid on snakebites and swollen glands.
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, sweet, warm
- Meridians
- liver, spleen, stomach
Attributed effects
For wind and phlegm in the face (facial paralysis, crooked mouth, migraine), epilepsy and tetanus, swollen glands and externally for bites.
Preparation and amount
Deliberately no dosage is given here: only under the supervision of a qualified therapist.
Caution: Toxic: do not use yourself. Have sudden facial paralysis assessed medically at once.