Bei Xie - Dioscorea Root

TCM Materia Medica

Bei Xie TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "bei xie" which in english is "dioscorea root", is categorized within the "herbs that drain dampness" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the liver, stomach and urinary bladder channels and exhibits bitter (ku) and neutral (ping) 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: 9-15g

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

  • Separates the pure from the turbid - cloudy urine and leukorrhea, either from damp-heat or deficiency.
  • Expels wind damp (cold and hot bi syndromes), relaxes the sinews.
  • Damp-heat - skin disorders (eczema, pustular sores).

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

ViewBi Xie Fen Qing Yin Wan (Dioscorea Formula To Separate The Clear)

Generally for painful urination issues (gao lin) that arises from kidney yang deficiency. With related kidney yang deficiency pattern - chronic urinary tract infections, leukorrhea, vaginal thrush. …

ViewQing Fei Wan (Clear The Lungs Decoction)

Clears heat and phlegm and replenishes lung yin - chronic cough, generally with thicker yellow mucus, sore throat. With the right factors aspiration pneumonia, pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis,…

As noted above, bei xie is within the herbs that drain dampness functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... there are two main types of dampness: accumulation of fluids in the body - edema, congested fluids (respiratory and digestive system). these herbs are good for edema below the wais…)".

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