Jie Geng – Platycodon Root – Radix Platycodonis

Jie Geng, known as Balloon Flower Root, is a key herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for opening the Lung, resolving phlegm, and benefiting the throat. It is commonly included in formulas for cough, sore throat, chest congestion, and loss of voice, especially when caused by Wind-Heat or Wind-Cold invasion. Jie Geng is also valued for its ability to guide the effects of other herbs upward to the chest and throat.
Functions & Benefits
Opens the Lung and Regulates QiUsed for cough, chest congestion, and shortness of breath, especially when due to Lung Qi constraint or phlegm accumulation.
Transforms Phlegm and Expels PusHelps resolve productive cough with phlegm, and is also used to clear pus from the Lung or throat in abscess conditions.
Benefits the ThroatEffective for sore throat, hoarseness, and throat inflammation, regardless of whether the cause is Wind-Heat or Wind-Cold.
Guides Herbs to the Upper BodyOften included in formulas to direct the action of other herbs to the upper Jiao, particularly the Lung and throat.
IndicationsIndividuals with cough, phlegm, or sore throat from external WindPeople experiencing chest fullness, voice loss, or throat painPatients with Lung abscesses or thick yellow phlegmFormulas requiring a guide herb to the upper respiratory system
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCMTongue: Normal or red with greasy coating (suggesting phlegm or Wind-Heat)Pulse: Floating or slippery (indicating external invasion or phlegm accumulation)
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Jie GengWind-Cold or Wind-Heat Attacking the Lung – Cough, sore throat, fever, chillsPhlegm-Heat in the Lungs – Yellow sputum, chest oppression, dry throatLung Abscess or Toxic Heat – Pus in sputum, high fever, foul breathQi Constraint in the Upper Jiao – Chest tightness, shortness of breath
Precautions & ContraindicationsNot suitable for dry coughs without phlegm or those with Yin deficiency and heat signsAvoid use in patients with hemoptysis (coughing blood) or chronic Lung Yin deficiencyUse cautiously in individuals with weak Spleen or dry throat unless combined appropriately
ConclusionJie Geng is an essential herb in TCM for Lung and throat-related disorders, offering relief from cough, phlegm, sore throat, and chest congestion. Its unique function to guide the actions of other herbs upward also makes it a versatile addition in many respiratory formulas.