Bái Wēi (白薇) — Cynanchum Root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- 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
| Pinyin name | Bái Wēi |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 白薇 |
| Latin name | Cynanchum atratum |
| English name | Cynanchum root / Blackend swallowwort |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter, salty |
| Channels entered | Stomach, Liver, Kidney |
| Category | Herbs that clear deficiency heat |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Heat and cools the Blood, particularly Yin-deficiency heat
- Resolves toxicity and reduces sores
- Promotes urination and eases hot, painful urination
Indications
- Yin-deficiency afternoon tidal fever and steaming-bone heat
- Postpartum fever from Blood deficiency with Heat
- Damp-Heat in the lower Burner with painful, bloody urination
- 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. Cautions and contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with cold-deficient Spleen and Stomach without heat signs.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).
6. 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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