Zhè Bèi Mǔ (浙贝母) — Zhejiang Fritillaria
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
- Frequently asked questions
1. Overview
Zhè Bèi Mǔ (浙贝母) is the bulb of Fritillaria thunbergii, the Zhejiang fritillary. It belongs to the category of Cool-transforming Phlegm-Heat herbs in the Chinese Materia Medica. Although closely related to Chuān Bèi Mǔ (Fritillaria cirrhosa), Zhè Bèi Mǔ is stronger at clearing Phlegm-Heat and softening hardness, while Chuān Bèi Mǔ is preferred for Yin-deficient dry cough.
I prescribe Zhè Bèi Mǔ as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Zhè Bèi Mǔ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 浙贝母 |
| Latin name | Fritillaria thunbergii |
| English name | Zhejiang fritillary bulb |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter |
| Channels entered | Lung, Heart |
| Category | Cool herbs that transform Phlegm-Heat |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Phlegm-Heat and stops cough
- Resolves toxicity and reduces nodules and abscesses
- Softens hardness
Indications
- Productive cough with thick yellow phlegm from Phlegm-Heat
- Acute bronchitis and chest infection with heat features
- Scrofula, lymphadenopathy and goitre from Phlegm-Fire constraint
- Breast abscess and breast nodules with heat signs
- Carbuncles and skin sores from heat-toxin
4. Modern research
Fritillaria thunbergii contains isosteroidal alkaloids (peimine, peiminine), saponins and polysaccharides. Studies report antitussive, expectorant, anti-inflammatory and antitumour activity. Peimine has mild hypotensive effects in animal models.
5. 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 — classical training avoids the combinations except in carefully supervised low-dose protocols.
Zhè Bèi Mǔ (浙贝母) Zhejiang Fritillaria should not normally be combined with:
- Fu Zi — per the Shi Ba Fan
- Chuan Wu — per the Shi Ba Fan
- Cao Wu — per the Shi Ba Fan
6. Cautions and contraindications
Contraindicated in cough from cold-phlegm or Yin-deficient dry cough — use Chuān Bèi Mǔ instead. Traditionally considered incompatible with Fù Zǐ and Wū Tóu (the “eighteen incompatibilities”).
Pattern contraindications
Contraindicated in Cold patterns and Spleen Yang deficiency. Some (e.g. Gua Lou family) have mild laxative effect — caution in chronic diarrhoea.
Modern drug interactions
Generally well tolerated. Tell your doctor if on regular medication.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Zhè Bèi Mǔ as part of tailored herbal formulas for chest infections with stubborn yellow phlegm, recurrent bronchitis, thyroid nodules with heat features and breast nodules within a Phlegm-Fire pattern. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
8. Frequently asked questions
What is Zhe Bei Mu used for?
Zhe Bei Mu clears Heat and transforms phlegm-heat, and it softens and dissipates nodules. It is used for coughs with thick, yellow, hard-to-clear phlegm, and for lumps and swellings such as swollen lymph nodes, breast lumps and abscesses.
What is the difference between Zhe Bei Mu and Chuan Bei Mu?
Both are fritillaria. Zhe Bei Mu is stronger at clearing heat and dissipating nodules, suiting acute phlegm-heat coughs and lumps, while Chuan Bei Mu is more moistening and better for chronic, dry, deficient coughs.
How is Zhe Bei Mu taken?
Typically 3–9g in decoction, within a formula matched to the pattern.
Are there any cautions with Zhe Bei Mu?
It is not suitable for cold-phlegm or a dry deficiency cough. Traditionally, fritillaria is not combined with aconite (the Wu Tou group), one of the classical herb incompatibilities.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.
