Zhè Bèi Mǔ (浙贝母) — Zhejiang Fritillaria
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
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-transforming Phlegm-Heat herbs |
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. 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”).
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).
6. 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.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.
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.
