Jié Gěng (桔梗) — Platycodon root / Balloon flower 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

Jié Gěng (桔梗) — Platycodon grandiflorum — is known in English as Platycodon root / Balloon flower root. It belongs to the category of Herbs that stop coughing and wheezing in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Jié Gěng 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. Opens and disseminates Lung Qi — the most important herb for directing other herbs to the Lung
2. Transforms Phlegm and stops cough — for both Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat Phlegm cough
3. Benefits the throat and voice
4. Raises Qi upward and expels pus — for Lung abscess and throat abscess

Indications

1. Cough from Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat — very commonly used
2. Sore throat and hoarse voice — combined with Gan Cao as the classical 'sore throat pair'
3. Lung abscess with pus-filled cough
4. Loss of voice (aphonia)
5. Acts as an envoy herb directing other herbs to the Lung in many formulas

4. Key formulas containing Jié Gěng

Jié Gěng appears in the following key formulas:

• Yin Qiao San
• Xiao Chai Hu Tang

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

5. Modern research

Platycodon grandiflorum (Jie Geng) has a unique role as an 'ascending and opening' herb — it directs the actions of other herbs upward and outward to the Lungs, making it an indispensable formula component in respiratory conditions. Key bioactive constituents include platycodin saponins (platycodin A, C, D), polygalacic acid and inulin. Research confirms expectorant effects (stimulating bronchial secretion and reducing mucus viscosity), anti-inflammatory effects, immunomodulatory activity, anti-cancer properties and hepatoprotective effects. The combination Jie Geng + Gan Cao (Jie Geng Tang, or Platycodon and Licorice Decoction) is confirmed in clinical research as superior to placebo for acute pharyngitis. Jie Geng is also widely consumed as a food and pickle in Korea.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Use with caution in patients with haemoptysis, as the opening and ascending action may aggravate bleeding. Avoid in patients with Yin deficiency cough with no Phlegm. Use cautiously in gastric ulcer as saponins can irritate mucous membranes.

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 Jié Gěng 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.

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