Ingredient Name: Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae, tendrilled fritillary bulb
Traditional Chinese Name: 川貝 (chuān bèi)
What is this?
- The dried flower bulb of the Fritillaria plant (which is a perennial herb) that contains about 100 species of this bulbous plant
- The exact plant is the Fritillariae Cirrhosae, which is one of these species
- A recognized official drug in Chinese medicine
- The bulbs are often white-beige in color and around 1-2 cm in diameter and are very light weight
- Various forms of this herb can be found as dried (as pictured above), powdered or cream
How do I prepare it?
- Rinse in warm water before usage to ensure all dirt and soil is removed
Where can I buy this?
- Most herbal shops will carry this
- Wet marts in Hong Kong will also sometimes carry this
- Not commonly found in western supermarkets
What is the cost?
- Not very expensive
Any benefits?
- Ideal in removing heat and fire from the body
- Great for bringing moisture to the lungs and throat
- Helps in dissolving phlegm and relieving coughs
- Aids in conditions such as asthma, chronic coughs, bronchitis (or other conditions of the lungs)
Any precautions?
- The unprocessed and raw bulbs are toxic
- Pregnant woman should avoid this herb (as there is limited visibility and studies on the effects of fetuses)
- Limit exposure to children as well (for the same reason as above)
- Purchase from a reputable source
Resources
Not very expensive? I believe on the contrary that this is way way expensive. It costs $25.50 US for a bag of 1.33 oz. but I was told that its very good for getting rid of cough, and my lil daughter needs it. I’ll update the effect afterward.