Properties: Bitter, sweet, lightly cold
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Lung and Heart
Divergent Zones: Shaoyang
Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.
Cautions: Contraindicated to Wu Tou.
Notes: Formulas often use Bei Mu without declaring which type. It is most often referring to Chuan Bei Mu but it may be replaced with Zhe Bei Mu or another species of Fritillaria depending on the circumstances, especially as genuine Chuan Bei Mu is difficult to source due to expense which has created endemic adulteration issues in the supply chain.
Bai He Gu Jin Tang (Lily Bulb Decoction to Preserve the Metal)
From: Writing for Posterity of Zhou Shen-Zhai (1573)
Bai San (White Powder)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)
Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang (Bupleurum and Kudzu Decoction to Release the Muscle Layer)
From: Awakening of the Mind in Medical Studies by Cheng Guo-Peng (1732)
Dang Gui Bei Mu Ku Shen Tang (Tangkuei, Fritillaria and Sophira Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)
Er Mu San (Fritillaria and Anemarrhena Powder)
From: Investigations of Medical Formulas (1584)
Gua Lou Zhi Shi Tang (Trichosanthes Fruit and Unripe Bitter Orange Decoction)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)
Huo Ming Yin (Revitalise Life Decoction)
From: Herbal Prescriptions from Jiantai Clinic (1981) by Chang Wei-Yen
Huo Xue Jiu (Quicken the Blood Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various
Jin Hua Qing Gan Ke Li (Honeysuckle Granules to Clear the Senses)
From: Juxiechang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Beijing (2002)
Jiu Xian San (Nine Immortal Powder)
From: Precious Mirror of Health by Luo Tian-Yi (Yuan Dynasty)
Ning Sou San (Calm Coughing Pill)
From: Revised Popular Guide to the Discussion of Cold Damage by Yu Gen-Chu, Revised by He Bing-Yuan (Qing dynasty)
Qian Hu San (Peucedani Powder)
From: Peaceful and Holy Benevolent Prescriptions of the Taiping Era (c. 992)
Qing Fei Yin (Clear the Lungs Drink)
From: Analytical Collection of Medical Formulas (1682) by Wang Ang
Sheng Tie Luo Yin (Iron Filings Drink)
From: Awakening of the Mind in Medical Studies by Cheng Guo-Peng (1732)
Xiang Bei Yang Rong Tang (Cyperus and Fritillaria Decoction to Nourish Luxuriance)
From: Golden Mirror of the Medical Tradition by Wu Qian (1742)
Xiao Luo Wan (Reduce Scrofula Pill)
From: Awakening of the Mind in Medical Studies by Cheng Guo-Peng (1732)
Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang (Nourish the Yin and Clear the Lungs Decoction)
From: Jade Key to Layered Stories (18th Century)
Zi Wan Tang (Aster Decoction)
From: Analytical Collection of Medical Formulas (1682) by Wang Ang
Individual herb information has sourced mainly from TCM Wiki and American Dragon for basic data and then updated manually with my own notes. Zhou, Xie and Yan (2011): Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Vol. 5, has been used for entries not available from those sources with additional material searched for and filled in where available. Western herbs not appearing in the Chinese literature have used Ross (2010): Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine: A Clinical Materia Medica, White Rabbit Institute of Healing and therapeutika.ch. Choices of which source to use or combine have been my own.
These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted. Actions and indications are taken from traditional uses and do not necessarily reflect the evidence base which should be researched independently. Dosages are for guidance only and will vary dependening on the potency of the batch and the tolerance of the individual so should be evaluated by a professional based on individual needs.