Cè Bǎi Yè (侧柏叶) — Biota leaf / Oriental arborvitae

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

Cè Bǎi Yè (侧柏叶) — Platycladus orientalis — is known in English as Biota leaf / Oriental arborvitae. It belongs to the category of Herbs that stop bleeding in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Cè Bǎi Yè 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. Cools Blood and stops bleeding from Heat — a major haemostatic herb
2. Resolves Phlegm and stops cough from Lung Heat
3. Promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss — one of the most important herbs for alopecia
4. Clears Heat from the Lung

Indications

1. Uterine bleeding, haemoptysis and haematuria from Blood Heat
2. Hair loss — alopecia areata, male pattern baldness and diffuse thinning (topical and internal)
3. Cough with yellow sputum from Lung Heat
4. Premature greying of hair from Blood Heat
5. Urticaria and skin conditions from Blood Heat

4. Key formulas containing Cè Bǎi Yè

Cè Bǎi Yè appears in the following key formulas:

• Si Sheng Wan

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

5. Modern research

Platycladus orientalis (Ce Bai Ye) has attracted particular research interest for its effects on hair growth, making it one of the most clinically relevant herbs for alopecia in modern practice. Key bioactive constituents include flavonoids (quercetin, myricetin, hinokiflavone), terpenoids, essential oils and tannins. Research confirms significant hair growth-stimulating effects — topical Ce Bai Ye preparations have been shown in clinical trials to perform comparably to 2% minoxidil for androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata. The flavonoids inhibit 5-alpha reductase (DHT production — the same mechanism as finasteride) and stimulate hair follicle proliferation. Anti-inflammatory, haemostatic and antibacterial properties are also documented.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Avoid in Cold and deficiency patterns. The astringent, cooling nature is specific to bleeding from Heat — it will not help and may hinder bleeding from Cold or deficiency. Use externally with caution on broken skin.

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 Cè Bǎi Yè as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Irregular menstrual cycle. 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.