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
8. Frequently asked questions

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 doctor 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.

Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.

8. Frequently asked questions

What is Bai Wei used for?

Bai Wei (Cynanchum atratum) is a bitter, cold herb that clears Heat and cools the Blood, with a particular strength in clearing lingering, deficiency-type Heat. It is traditionally used for low, persistent or afternoon fevers, for postpartum fever and steaming-bone sensations, and for damp-heat urinary problems with painful or blood-streaked urination.

What are the benefits of Bai Wei?

Its value is in addressing the smouldering, deficient Heat that other herbs struggle with — the low-grade fevers and night-time heat of Yin or Blood depletion — while also cooling the Blood and easing damp-heat in the urinary tract. It is used within a matched formula, not alone.

How is Bai Wei taken?

Typically 4.5–9g in decoction, combined with Yin-nourishing or heat-clearing herbs depending on the pattern. A practitioner sets the dose and partners.

Are there any cautions with Bai Wei?

Being cold, it is not suitable for people with a weak, cold digestion or loose stools, or where the fever is due to interior cold rather than Heat. Persistent or unexplained fever always needs medical assessment; Bai Wei is a complementary measure prescribed by a qualified herbalist.

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