Bai Qian (Cynanchum Root & Rhizome) is a warm, pungent herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), primarily used to transform phlegm, direct Lung Qi downward, and relieve cough and wheezing. It is particularly effective in treating coughs with copious sputum, bronchitis, and asthma, especially when caused by external wind-cold or internal phlegm accumulation. It is often used in both acute and chronic respiratory conditions where phlegm obstructs the lungs and interferes with normal breathing. Bai Qian is valued for its dual ability to both disperse pathogenic factors and regulate the movement of Lung Qi.
Functies en voordelen
Redirects Lung Qi Downward and Stops Cough
Strongly directs rebellious Lung Qi downward to relieve cough and wheezing
Especially effective in productive coughs with sticky or copious sputum
Used in both wind-cold and wind-heat patterns when phlegm is dominant
Transforms Phlegm and Clears the Airways
Breaks up stubborn phlegm in the chest, helping to open the lungs
Used for chronic cough or asthma with difficulty breathing
Especially helpful in phlegm-damp types with chest fullness or congestion
Disperses Wind and Relieves Exterior Conditions
Can assist in resolving the early stages of wind-cold invasion affecting the lungs
Often combined with other dispersing herbs in such cases
Indicaties (wie kan er baat bij hebben?)
✔ People with chronic or acute cough with phlegm that is difficult to expectorate
✔ Individuals with asthma or wheezing due to phlegm obstructing the lungs
✔ Patients with chest congestion, bronchitis, or post-infectious cough
✔ Those experiencing wind-cold attack with phlegm accumulation
✔ Smokers or former smokers with residual phlegm and chronic lung irritation
Diagnose van tong en pols in TCM
Tongue: Greasy white or yellow coating (indicates phlegm)
Pulse: Slippery or wiry (indicates phlegm or rebellious Lung Qi)
Verwante TCM-patronen
Phlegm-Dampness Accumulating in the Lungs – Cough with sputum, chest tightness
Rebellious Lung Qi – Wheezing, shortness of breath, cough with difficulty breathing
Wind-Cold Attacking the Lungs – Cough, chills, no sweating, nasal congestion
Wind-Phlegm Obstructing the Lungs – Persistent cough, dizziness, chest oppression
Klinische toepassingen (alleen ter referentie)
Chronic Bronchitis – Helps reduce phlegm, stop cough, and ease breathing
Asthma – Especially in phlegm-rich or damp constitutions
Post-Viral Cough – Clears lingering mucus and helps restore normal lung function
COPD Support – Used to manage chronic cough and congestion in older patients
Pediatric Cough – Mild formulations include Bai Qian to treat phlegmy cough in children
Common Herbal Formulas with Bai Qian
Zhi Sou Pian – Stops cough and transforms phlegm in post-infectious cough
Er Chen Tang (when modified) – For chronic phlegm conditions with cough
San Zi Yang Qin Tang – For phlegm accumulation with digestive sluggishness
Voorzorgsmaatregelen en contra-indicaties
Not suitable for dry cough without phlegm
Use with caution in Yin-deficiency heat conditions (dry mouth, red tongue)
Avoid during pregnancy unless prescribed by a qualified TCM practitioner
Contraindicated in cough due to Lung Yin deficiency or Blood deficiency
May interact with bronchodilator medications – professional supervision advised
Aanbevelingen voor levensstijl en dieet
✔ Drink warm fluids to help loosen phlegm and soothe the lungs
✔ Avoid dairy, sugar, and greasy foods that increase phlegm production
✔ Practice breathing exercises like Buteyko or Qi Gong to support Lung Qi
✔ Use a humidifier in dry climates to prevent mucus thickening
Conclusie
Bai Qian (Cynanchum Root & Rhizome) is a phlegm-transforming, Lung-Qi-regulating herb used in TCM to treat cough, wheezing, and congestion due to phlegm accumulation. It is highly effective in both acute infections and chronic conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, especially when phlegm is the dominant pathology. Its ability to redirect Lung Qi downward makes it a key herb for restoring normal respiratory function.
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