Fēng Mì (蜂蜜) — honey
Information only — not used or prescribed at this clinic. This page documents a traditional animal-derived substance for reference and education. I do not use or prescribe any animal products. Every formula I prescribe is built entirely from plant and mineral herbs.
Although it may be used by some practitioners, I do not prescribe any animal-derived substances.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include Yi Tang (malt sugar) and Mai Men Dong.
On this page
1. Overview
Fēng Mì (蜂蜜) — honey (Mel) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that tonify and moisten. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Fēng Mì or any other animal product; I prescribe plant and mineral herbs in their place, matched to each patient's TCM pattern.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Fēng Mì |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 蜂蜜 |
| Source | honey (Mel) |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | Lung, Spleen, Large Intestine |
| Traditional category | Tonify and moisten |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Fēng Mì was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Tonifies the middle and relieves spasm
- Moistens the Lungs and Intestines
- Harmonises and detoxifies other herbs
Traditional indications
- Dry cough
- Constipation from dryness
- Used to harmonise pills and tonics
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Fēng Mì, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Yi Tang (malt sugar) and Mai Men Dong. The right choice always depends on the individual TCM pattern identified in consultation. Read more about Chinese herbal medicine or book an online herbal consultation.
5. Why it is not prescribed
Although Fēng Mì may be used by some practitioners, I do not prescribe any animal-derived substances; plant and mineral herbs are used instead. All Chinese herbs should be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM), which prohibits the use of endangered species. Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council and does not use animal products of any kind.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
