Bai Ji (白及) — Bletilla Rhizome
Bai Ji is the primary Chinese herb for gastric and pulmonary haemorrhage. It astringes bleeding vessels and promotes tissue healing, making it the specific traditional treatment for haemoptysis (coughing blood) and haematemesis (vomiting blood) from ulcer or bronchiectasis.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Dosage
- Cautions and incompatibilities
- Key formulas
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Bai Ji (白及) — Bletilla Rhizome (Bletilla striata) — is a Chinese herb in the Stop Bleeding category. I prescribe it as part of bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Bai Ji |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 白及 |
| Latin name | Bletilla striata |
| English name | Bletilla Rhizome |
| Nature | Cool |
| Flavour | Bitter, sweet |
| Channels entered | Lung, Liver, Stomach |
| Category | Stop Bleeding |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Restrains Blood and stops bleeding
- Reduces swelling and promotes tissue regeneration
Indications
- Haemoptysis from bronchiectasis or Lung disease
- Haematemesis from gastric ulcer
- Chronic cough with blood-streaked sputum
- External use on wounds and burns to promote healing
4. Dosage
3–10g
5. Cautions and incompatibilities
- Incompatible with Fu Zi (do not combine)
- Not for acute bleeding without conventional assessment first
- Reduce dose in Spleen-Cold patients
6. Key formulas
Bai Ji is used in a range of bespoke prescriptions rather than a fixed classical formula in modern practice. Consult a qualified TCM herbalist for individual prescription.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Bai Ji where its indications and TCM pattern match the patient’s presentation, always as part of a tailored formula. Return to the Chinese herbs directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
How long until bai ji improves with TCM treatment?
Most patients with bai ji notice meaningful improvement within 4–6 weeks of weekly acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine as a complementary therapy alongside conventional care. Substantial improvement typically develops over 8–12 weeks. Always consult your doctor for any new or persistent symptoms; TCM treatment runs alongside, not instead of, your conventional medical care.
