Tǔ Bèi Mǔ (土贝母) — Bolbostemma tuber
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Tǔ Bèi Mǔ (土贝母) — Bolbostemma paniculatum — is known in English as Bolbostemma tuber. It belongs to the category of herbs that clear Heat and disperse nodules 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 Tǔ Bèi Mǔ 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 | Tǔ Bèi Mǔ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 土贝母 |
| Latin name | Bolbostemma paniculatum |
| English name | Bolbostemma tuber |
| Nature | Cool |
| Flavour | Bitter |
| Channels entered | Lung, Spleen |
| Category | Clear heat |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Heat and resolves toxicity
- Disperses nodules and reduces swelling
Indications
- Breast abscess and inflamed breast lumps
- Scrofula and swollen lymph nodes
- Firm nodules and non-healing sores
4. Key formulas containing Tǔ Bèi Mǔ
Tǔ Bèi Mǔ 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
Bolbostemma contains triterpenoid saponins (tubeimosides), studied preclinically for anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activity. It should not be confused with Chuan Bei Mu or Zhe Bei Mu, which are different plants used for cough.
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 Tǔ Bèi Mǔ in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Not for internal use in pregnancy. Any new, firm or persistent breast or neck lump must be medically investigated before herbal treatment; herbs are never a substitute for that assessment.
Pattern contraindications
Not appropriate for deficiency-Cold patterns or for simple Phlegm cough, where Chuan Bei Mu or Zhe Bei Mu are the correct choices.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Tǔ Bèi Mǔ 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 Tǔ Bèi Mǔ within tailored formulas for Heat-toxin nodular patterns, strictly alongside conventional investigation and care.
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.
