Chuan Bei Mu - Fritillaria Bulb
TCM Materia Medica
Chuan Bei Mu TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "chuan bei mu" which in english is 
"fritillaria bulb", is categorized within the "herbs that cool and transform phlegm heat" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the heart and lung channels and exhibits bitter (ku), cold (han) 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: 3-12g
- Powder: 1-1.5g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Clears heat, transforms phlegm, stops many types of cough (chronic, yin-deficient, difficult to expectorate phlegm, blood streaked sputum); best for cough with stifling sensation in the chest and upper abdomen (constrained qi).
- Clears heat, dissipates nodules due to heat - sores, swellings, scrofula, lung or breast abscess.
Chuan Bei Mu has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
- Incompatible with Wu Tou.
Our clinical staff have made the following notes, regarding chuan bei mu:
- Chuan Bei Mu is the smaller fritillaria bulb from the Chuan province. Also in this category is Zhe Bei Mu which is the larger bulb from Zhe province.
Chuan Bei Mu may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: cough and/or lung problems
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, chuan bei mu is generally included in the following 2 formulas:
ViewBai He Gu Jin Wan (Lily Bulb to Preserve the Metal)
General yin deficiency signs may present as night sweats, heat in the soles and palms, and flusing. Cough/wheezing, possible blood in the sputum, dry and sore throat may present from lung yin and qi…
ViewHui Chun Wan (Recovery Special Pill)
Most often used for childhood convulsions (possibly with wheezing, nausea, nighttime crying, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive mucus/saliva) or other conditions that involve fever, impaired or loss of …
As noted above, chuan bei mu is within the herbs that cool and transform phlegm heat functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... used for phlegm-heat and dry-phlegm patterns - coughs, scrofula, goiters (stagnant phlegm-fire in the channel), convulsions. )".
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