Bǎi Bù (百部) — Stemona root

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Bǎi Bù (百部) — Stemona sessilifolia / tuberosa — is known in English as Stemona root. It belongs to the category of Herbs that stop coughing and wheezing in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Bǎi Bù as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Moistens the Lung and stops cough — specifically for chronic, stubborn and dry cough
2. Kills parasites — effective for lice, pinworms and other parasitic infestations (external and internal)
3. Particularly suited to protracted cough that fails to resolve

Indications

1. Chronic dry cough from Lung Qi or Yin deficiency
2. Whooping cough (pertussis) — a classical indication
3. Tuberculosis-type cough — chronic, consumptive cough
4. External use for head lice and scabies
5. Pinworm and roundworm infestation (internal use)

4. Key formulas containing Bǎi Bù

Bǎi Bù appears in the following key formulas:

• Bai Bu Wan

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Stemona sessilifolia (Bai Bu) is the primary Chinese herb for chronic cough and has a specific reputation for whooping cough. Key bioactive constituents include stemonine alkaloids (stemonine, tuberostemonine, sessilistemonine) and proto-stemonamine. Research confirms significant antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects via central nervous system modulation, antispasmodic effects on bronchial smooth muscle, antibacterial and antiparasitic activity. Tuberostemonine has specific activity against Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough). The alkaloids have broad antiparasitic effects including against lice, fleas and mites — hence its use in topical preparations. A systematic review of Bai Bu-containing formulas confirmed superiority over placebo for chronic bronchitis.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Use with caution in patients with loose stools and Spleen deficiency. Avoid large doses as the alkaloids can cause nausea and vomiting. Not recommended in high doses during pregnancy.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Bǎi Bù as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Allergies, Long COVID. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

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