Bai Bian Dou - Hyacinth Bean

TCM Materia Medica

Bai Bian Dou TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "bai bian dou" which in english is Bai Bian Dou herb"hyacinth bean", is categorized within the "herbs that clear and relieve summerheat" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the spleen and stomach channels and exhibits neutral (ping) and sweet (gan) taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

  • Dosage: 9-21g

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Clears summerheat - especially with pronounced diarrhea or vomiting.
  • Strengthens the spleen - chronic diarrhea, vaginal discharge due to spleen deficiency.

A single herb is not often thought of as an empirical way to influence a TCM diagnostic pattern. Bai Bian Dou, however, is a strong candidate to be considered when needing to influence summer heat.

Bai Bian Dou may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: diarrhea and/or leukorrhea

While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, bai bian dou is generally included in the following 2 formulas:

ViewSha Shen Mai Dong Wan (Glehnia and Ophiopogonis Decoction)

Important formula for stomach yin deficiency - benefits the stomach and the lungs - a range of digestive issues (gastritis, epigastric pain), possibly with dry throat, thirst and/or cough. Diabetes …

ViewShen Ling Bai Zhu Wan (Ginseng, Poria & Atractylodes Pills)

Diarrhea, loose stools, or mucus/greasy stools from damp accumulation in the spleen/stomach. Borborygmus, low appetite, fatigue, and/or pale complexion resulting from spleen qi deficiency. Colitis,…

As noted above, bai bian dou is within the herbs that clear and relieve summerheat functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... summer-heat is characterized by fever, sweating, irritability, diarrhea, and/or thirst. )".

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