Bǎn Lán Gēn (板蓝根) — Isatis root / Woad 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

Bǎn Lán Gēn (板蓝根) — Isatis tinctoria (root) — is known in English as Isatis root / Woad root. It belongs to the category of Herbs that clear Heat and resolve toxicity in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Bǎn Lán Gēn 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. Clears Heat and resolves Fire toxicity — the most important antiviral herb in Chinese medicine
2. Cools the Blood and reduces swellings
3. Benefits the throat — the primary herb for acute sore throat with Heat toxin
4. Strongly antibacterial and antiviral

Indications

1. Acute viral infections — influenza, COVID-19, mumps, viral hepatitis
2. Acute sore throat and tonsillitis from Heat toxin
3. Skin eruptions from Heat toxin — measles, chickenpox and herpes
4. Febrile disease with high fever and delirium
5. Lymph node swellings from Phlegm-Heat

4. Key formulas containing Bǎn Lán Gēn

Bǎn Lán Gēn is frequently used as a single-herb treatment or incorporated into individualised prescriptions tailored to the patient’s specific TCM pattern.

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

5. Modern research

Isatis tinctoria root (Ban Lan Gen) became one of the most widely researched Chinese herbs following the SARS outbreak (2003), COVID-19 pandemic and multiple influenza epidemics, as it was used extensively in Chinese hospitals as an antiviral adjunct. Key bioactive constituents include indigo, indirubin, isatine, epigoitrin, polysaccharides and alkaloids. Research confirms broad-spectrum antiviral activity against influenza A and B, SARS-CoV-2, RSV, HSV and hepatitis viruses. Indirubin has documented anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects via CDK inhibition. Polysaccharides enhance innate immune function. Clinical research in China confirms significant benefits in acute upper respiratory infections and influenza when combined with other antiviral herbs.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Contraindicated in Cold and deficiency patterns. The cold, bitter nature can damage the Spleen and Stomach with prolonged use — do not use long-term as a preventive without appropriate formula support. Avoid in patients with digestive weakness.

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 Bǎn Lán Gēn 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.

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