Chuan Bei Mu (Sichuan Fritillary Bulb) is a slightly cold, bitter, and sweet herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for moistening the Lungs, transforming phlegm, and stopping cough. It is obtained from the bulb of Fritillaria cirrhosa and related species, growing in high mountain regions of Sichuan and Tibet. Chuan Bei Mu is particularly valued for treating chronic cough, especially when accompanied by dry throat, scanty sticky sputum, or blood-streaked phlegm. Unlike Zhe Bei Mu, which is stronger at clearing heat and treating acute conditions, Chuan Bei Mu is gentler, moistening in nature, and suited for long-term or deficiency-related coughs.
Functions & Benefits
Moistens the Lungs and Stops Cough
Relieves dry cough and soothes an irritated throat.
Transforms Phlegm and Clears Heat
Dissolves sticky sputum caused by heat or dryness in the Lungs.
Relieves Lung Yin Deficiency Symptoms
Eases hoarseness, dry mouth, and throat discomfort.
Reduces Swelling and Dissipates Nodules
Used for neck swellings or chest nodules related to phlegm-heat accumulation.
Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)
✔ Individuals with chronic, dry, or weak cough.
✔ People with sticky or blood-streaked sputum.
✔ Those with hoarseness, dry throat, and thirst.
✔ Patients with neck or chest nodules caused by phlegm-heat.
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red and dry with little coating in Yin deficiency, or red with yellow, sticky coating in phlegm-heat.
Pulse: Thin and rapid in Yin deficiency; slippery and rapid in phlegm-heat.
Related TCM Patterns
Lung Yin Deficiency – Causes dry cough, hoarseness, and throat irritation.
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs – Produces sticky sputum, chest tightness, and nodules.
Deficiency Heat in the Upper Jiao – Leads to chronic throat dryness and heat sensations.
Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)
Chronic Dry Cough – Moistens Lungs and reduces throat irritation.
Blood-Streaked Sputum – Cools heat and soothes inflamed tissues.
Hoarseness – Nourishes Yin and restores vocal clarity.
Neck Nodules – Helps reduce swelling and dissipates phlegm-heat accumulations.
Common Herbal Formulas with Chuan Bei Mu
Often combined with Sha Shen and Mai Men Dong for Yin deficiency cough, or with Gua Lou and Zhi Mu for phlegm-heat nodules.
Precautions & Contraindications
Avoid in cases of cold-phlegm or dampness without heat.
Not recommended during the early stages of external wind-cold illness.
Use with caution in individuals with Spleen deficiency and loose stools.
Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations
✔ Eat moistening foods such as pears, honey, and white fungus.
✔ Avoid spicy or fried foods that increase Lung heat and dryness.
✔ Stay hydrated to support Lung Yin.
✔ Maintain good air quality and avoid smoke exposure.
Conclusion
Chuan Bei Mu (Sichuan Fritillary Bulb) is a slightly cold, bitter, and sweet herb in TCM that moistens the Lungs, transforms phlegm, and stops cough. It is ideal for chronic or deficiency-related coughs, especially when accompanied by dryness and sticky sputum.
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