Cōng Bái (葱白) — Spring onion white
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Cōng Bái (葱白) — Allium fistulosum — is known in English as Spring onion white. It belongs to the category of herbs that release the exterior and disperse Wind-Cold in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Cōng Bái as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they 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
| Pinyin name | Cōng Bái |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 葱白 |
| Latin name | Allium fistulosum |
| English name | Spring onion white |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid |
| Channels entered | Lung, Stomach |
| Category | Release the exterior |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Releases the exterior and disperses Cold
- Unblocks and frees the Yang Qi
Indications
- Very early-stage Wind-Cold with chills, headache and nasal congestion
- Abdominal pain and fullness from Cold obstructing the Yang
- Used topically for early-stage boils and sores
4. Key formulas containing Cōng Bái
Cōng Bái is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Spring onion white is a kitchen food used medicinally in TCM, containing allicin-related sulphur compounds studied preclinically for antimicrobial activity. It is mild and used at the very onset of a common cold.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
No classical incompatibilities are recorded for Cōng Bái in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Generally very safe as a food. It is not suitable for Wind-Heat patterns with sore throat and fever, and is avoided in profuse sweating.
Pattern contraindications
Not appropriate once an exterior pattern has turned to Heat, where cooling herbs are required.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Cōng Bái at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
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 or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Cōng Bái within tailored formulas at the very onset of Wind-Cold patterns, and often suggest it as a simple kitchen remedy.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
