Bái Wēi (白薇) — Cynanchum Root

On this page

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

1. Overview

Bái Wēi (白薇) is the dried root of Cynanchum atratum. It belongs to the category of Herbs that clear deficiency heat in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine for steaming-bone fever from Yin deficiency, low-grade afternoon fever, postpartum Yin-deficiency fever and Damp-Heat urinary disorders.

I prescribe Bái Wēi as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Clears Heat and cools the Blood, particularly Yin-deficiency heat
2. Resolves toxicity and reduces sores
3. Promotes urination and eases hot, painful urination

Indications

1. Yin-deficiency afternoon tidal fever and steaming-bone heat
2. Postpartum fever from Blood deficiency with Heat
3. Damp-Heat in the lower Burner with painful, bloody urination
4. Carbuncles and sores from Heat-toxin

4. Modern research

Cynanchum atratum contains C21 steroids (cynanchol, atratosides), polysaccharides and phenolics. Pharmacological studies report antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects.

5. Incompatibilities

Bái Wēi (白薇) Cynanchum Root is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions). As with every Chinese herb it should be prescribed only as part of a balanced formula by a registered Chinese herbalist (RCHM), who will check for interactions with any other herbs and prescription medications you are taking.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Contraindicated in patients with cold-deficient Spleen and Stomach without heat signs.

Pattern contraindications

Used for Yin-deficiency Empty Heat patterns (e.g. afternoon fever, night sweats, hot palms and soles). Contraindicated in Excess Heat patterns and in Cold patterns.

Modern drug interactions

Generally well tolerated. Tell your GP if you are on long-term medication so the herbal prescription can be tailored around it.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Bái Wēi as part of tailored herbal formulas for low-grade afternoon fever in chronic illness, post-febrile Yin-deficient fever, and damp-heat urinary patterns. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.

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