百合 · Bai He
Bulbus Lilii
Dr. Maya Chen explains Bai He (Lily Bulb), a revered TCM herb known for calming the mind, soothing respiratory discomfort, and restoring emotional balance. Discover its ancient wisdom and modern scientific backing.
9-30g Tincture: 2-5ml
9-30g Tincture: 2-5ml
Imagine a quiet summer evening, the air heavy with humidity, and your mind racing—a familiar feeling for many of us. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these moments of restless energy, often accompanied by a dry cough or a parched throat, speak to a particular imbalance. It's in these times that an ancient, unassuming bulb steps forward: Bai He.
Bai He (Bulbus Lilii), also known as Lily Bulb, Brown's Lily Bulb, or Lilium, is a nourishing herb used in TCM primarily for calming the spirit, moistening the lungs, and clearing heat. For centuries, this delicate bulb has been cherished not just for its beauty in the garden, but for its profound therapeutic properties, often found simmering gently in restorative soups or decoctions.
As the classical text 《金匮要略》 (Jīn Guì Yào Lüè) profoundly states, '百合病者，百脉一宗，悉致其病也，宜百合地黄汤'—describing 'Lily disease' as a condition where all channels converge to cause illness, for which Bai He Di Huang Tang is suitable. This ancient wisdom points to Bai He's deep connection to the body's interconnectedness, especially when emotional and physical symptoms intertwine. This herb offers a natural path to calm the mind, soothe the lungs, and restore emotional balance in our modern, fast-paced world.
From a TCM perspective, Bai He holds a unique position. Its 'nature' is described as slightly cold, which means it gently cools and reduces excess heat in the body without being overly chilling. Its flavors are sweet, slightly bitter, and bland. The sweet flavor signifies its nourishing qualities, building up vital substances like Yin. The slight bitterness contributes to its ability to clear heat and dry dampness, while 'bland' indicates its harmonizing and slightly diuretic actions.
These qualities allow Bai He to primarily influence the Heart and Lung meridians. Think of the Heart meridian as the energetic pathway governing our mind, emotions, and spirit (Shen). When the Heart is agitated by excess heat or a deficiency of nourishing Yin, we might experience symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, or restless thoughts. Bai He steps in to cool this 'heart fire' and replenish the Yin, bringing a sense of calm.
The Lung meridian, on the other hand, is responsible for respiration, maintaining the integrity of our skin and mucous membranes, and protecting us from external pathogens. When Lung Yin is deficient, we might experience a dry cough, a scratchy throat, or even dry skin. Bai He’s moistening properties provide a gentle balm, restoring hydration and easing irritation. My patients often describe it as a 'cooling dew' for their internal landscape, especially during dry seasons or stressful periods.
For instance, I recall one patient, a high-performing executive, who came to me with persistent dry cough and 'racing thoughts' that kept her awake. Her Western diagnostics were clear, but her TCM pulse and tongue suggested Lung and Heart Yin deficiency with some internal heat. Incorporating Bai He into her formula, alongside lifestyle adjustments, helped her regain restful sleep and significantly reduce her cough, illustrating how this herb addresses both physical and emotional manifestations of imbalance.
Many of us experience nights where our minds simply won't quiet down, a phenomenon TCM often attributes to 'Heart Fire' or Heart Yin deficiency. Bai He is exceptionally skilled at cooling this internal heat and nourishing the Heart's Yin, thereby calming the spirit (Shen). When the Heart is nourished and calm, our minds can truly rest.
Researchers at Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and other institutions, in a 2024 systematic review published in Heliyon, explored the traditional use of Baihe Zhimu (Lilium lancifolium bulb and Anemarrhena asphodeloides rhizome) decoction for depression, noting its long-standing use for 'Lily disease' and exploring its pharmacological mechanisms. This aligns with Bai He’s traditional use for symptoms like insomnia, irritability, and general emotional distress.
I often see patients like Sarah, a busy mother, who struggled with seasonal insomnia, particularly in the summer months when the heat seemed to exacerbate her restlessness. By incorporating Bai He into her evening routine, she found a noticeable shift towards deeper, more continuous sleep. It's important to differentiate, as discussions around Bai He often highlight, its effectiveness for acute insomnia (e.g.
, due to summer heat) versus chronic insomnia, which requires a more comprehensive TCM diagnosis and often a broader herbal strategy. For that acute 'heart fire,' however, Bai He can be wonderfully effective.
The Lung meridian, in TCM, governs respiration and the moistness of our upper respiratory tract. When Lung Yin is deficient, often due to prolonged illness, dry environments, or even emotional stress, it can manifest as a persistent, dry, unproductive cough, a scratchy throat, or even a hoarse voice. Bai He excels at moistening the Lungs and clearing heat, acting as a gentle expectorant and soothing agent. It helps replenish the vital fluids that keep our respiratory passages hydrated and healthy.
While not a direct treatment for acute infections, it's a wonderful support for the lingering, dry cough that often follows a cold or flu, or for chronic conditions where dryness is a factor. Think of it as restoring the natural lubrication to your respiratory system, allowing for smoother, less irritated breathing.
Beyond its well-known effects on the Heart and Lungs, Bai He also nourishes Stomach Yin and helps to harmonize the Middle Jiao (the digestive center). When Stomach Yin is deficient, symptoms can include a dry mouth, a feeling of hunger with little desire to eat, or even a gnawing, empty sensation in the stomach.
By moistening the Stomach, Bai He can support healthy digestion and alleviate discomfort, particularly for those with a drier constitution or those experiencing digestive upset due to heat. This subtle action helps ensure that the body can properly assimilate nutrients, contributing to overall vitality and preventing downstream issues that can arise from digestive imbalance.
Modern scientific inquiry, particularly within integrative medicine, is steadily validating many of Bai He’s traditional applications. Researchers are diligently isolating key active compounds that underpin its therapeutic effects. 何丹 et al., in a 2024 publication in 《中华中医药学刊》, identified that Bai He’s main active components are steroidal saponins, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides. They specifically noted that steroidal saponins possess anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. This gives us a glimpse into the molecular basis of its observed benefits.
A comprehensive systematic review, expected in Frontiers in 2025, is poised to further validate traditional claims of Lilium spp. (which includes Bai He) for diverse pharmacological activities. This review highlights promising antidepressant and antitumor effects, and its traditional use for conditions like depression and diabetes. This echoes the NCCIH's (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) focus on understanding traditional botanical medicines. Another recent review, published in PMC in 2024, discusses Lilium brownii (Bai He) as a nutraceutical.
It meticulously details active components like saponins, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and alkaloids, and correlates them with its traditional uses for nourishing yin, moistening lungs, dispelling fire, calming the mind, and treating symptoms such as chronic cough, fatigue, insomnia, and depression.
While extensive, large-scale human clinical trials specifically on Bai He are still emerging, these preclinical findings and systematic reviews provide a strong scientific foundation. For instance, the antidepressant-like effects observed in preclinical studies align directly with its TCM function of 'calming the Spirit' and addressing conditions like 'Lily disease.
' This bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary research, championed by institutions like the University of Arizona's Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, is where the true power of integrative medicine lies, allowing us to respect centuries of empirical observation while seeking molecular explanations for healing.
Incorporating Bai He into your wellness routine can be a simple and enjoyable process, whether you prefer it in a medicinal tea or as part of your culinary repertoire. The most common forms are dried slices for decoctions, powdered extracts, or fresh bulbs for cooking.
For a classic therapeutic approach, I typically recommend a dosage between 9 to 30 grams of dried Bai He. Simmer the lily bulbs in 2-3 cups of water for 20-30 minutes, or until they soften. You can drink this decoction 1-2 times daily. For specific conditions like supporting mood, 王新苗 et al. (《长春中医药大学学报》, 2024) observe that common clinical doses for depression range from 10-30g, aligning well with general recommendations.
If you prefer a more convenient form, a tincture can be a good option. The typical dosage is 2-5ml, 1-3 times daily, or as directed by your practitioner.
Bai He truly shines in the kitchen. It’s incredibly versatile and often used in Chinese food therapy. You can add fresh or dried lily bulbs to soups, congees, stir-fries, and even desserts. Its slightly sweet and earthy flavor blends beautifully. For instance, a simple dessert might involve simmering lily bulbs with rock sugar and goji berries for a calming evening treat.
When preparing Bai He for sleep, some traditional wisdom suggests that shorter cooking times might preserve certain volatile compounds, while longer simmering extracts more of the polysaccharides for deeper nourishment. While this is an area of ongoing discussion, generally, cooking until tender is sufficient to extract its benefits.
Given real concerns about heavy metal contamination in herbs from certain regions, I always advise patients to seek out reputable suppliers who provide third-party testing for purity. Brands committed to transparency about their sourcing and testing protocols are your best choice to ensure product safety and efficacy. Also, ensure you are buying Bulbus Lilii and not a decorative lily bulb, as not all lilies are safe for consumption.
As with any potent herb, understanding Bai He's safety profile is paramount. While generally considered safe for appropriate conditions, there are clear contraindications I must stress.
Cough due to Wind-Cold or Phlegm: Bai He's slightly cold nature and moistening action are not suitable for coughs stemming from external cold pathogens or excessive phlegm. It could worsen these conditions.
Early-stage coughs: Similarly, for acute, early-stage coughs, especially those with a clear external cause, Bai He is not the right choice. Its role is in nourishing and moistening chronic, dry, or deficient coughs.
Diarrhea due to Spleen or Stomach Deficiency: Bai He's moistening and slightly cold properties can exacerbate diarrhea in individuals with a weakened digestive system (Spleen or Stomach Deficiency). If you experience loose stools or chronic digestive weakness, Bai He should be avoided.
This is a critical area. Bai He has been shown to prolong sleeping time produced by various sedative medications. This includes barbiturates, antihistamines, narcotic analgesics, and benzodiazepines. If you are taking any of these medications, or other sedatives, it is absolutely essential to consult with your physician or pharmacist before considering Bai He, as it could enhance their effects leading to excessive drowsiness or other complications.
Currently, there is insufficient research to definitively confirm the safety of Bai He during pregnancy or lactation. Out of an abundance of caution, I strongly advise against its use during these periods. It's always best to err on the side of safety when it comes to expectant or nursing mothers.
Always discuss any herbal supplements with your healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking prescription medications.
Bai He, the humble lily bulb, offers us a profound lesson in holistic well-being. It reminds us that our physical symptoms, be it a persistent cough or a restless night, are often deeply intertwined with our emotional state and underlying energetic balances. As we embrace the wisdom of TCM, grounded in modern scientific inquiry, we find that the remedies passed down through generations hold immense value for navigating the complexities of contemporary life.
This delicate herb, nourishing and calming, invites us to pause, rehydrate, and find our inner quiet, a gentle reminder that balance is always within reach.
Imagine a quiet summer evening, the air heavy with humidity, and your mind racing—a familiar feeling for many of us. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these moments of restless energy, often accompanied by a dry cough or a parched throat, speak to a particular imbalance. It's in these times that an ancient, unassuming bulb steps forward: Bai He.
Bai He (Bulbus Lilii), also known as Lily Bulb, Brown's Lily Bulb, or Lilium, is a nourishing herb used in TCM primarily for calming the spirit, moistening the lungs, and clearing heat. For centuries, this delicate bulb has been cherished not just for its beauty in the garden, but for its profound therapeutic properties, often found simmering gently in restorative soups or decoctions.
As the classical text 《金匮要略》 (Jīn Guì Yào Lüè) profoundly states, '百合病者，百脉一宗，悉致其病也，宜百合地黄汤'—describing 'Lily disease' as a condition where all channels converge to cause illness, for which Bai He Di Huang Tang is suitable. This ancient wisdom points to Bai He's deep connection to the body's interconnectedness, especially when emotional and physical symptoms intertwine. This herb offers a natural path to calm the mind, soothe the lungs, and restore emotional balance in our modern, fast-paced world.
From a TCM perspective, Bai He holds a unique position. Its 'nature' is described as slightly cold, which means it gently cools and reduces excess heat in the body without being overly chilling. Its flavors are sweet, slightly bitter, and bland. The sweet flavor signifies its nourishing qualities, building up vital substances like Yin. The slight bitterness contributes to its ability to clear heat and dry dampness, while 'bland' indicates its harmonizing and slightly diuretic actions.
These qualities allow Bai He to primarily influence the Heart and Lung meridians. Think of the Heart meridian as the energetic pathway governing our mind, emotions, and spirit (Shen). When the Heart is agitated by excess heat or a deficiency of nourishing Yin, we might experience symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, or restless thoughts. Bai He steps in to cool this 'heart fire' and replenish the Yin, bringing a sense of calm.
The Lung meridian, on the other hand, is responsible for respiration, maintaining the integrity of our skin and mucous membranes, and protecting us from external pathogens. When Lung Yin is deficient, we might experience a dry cough, a scratchy throat, or even dry skin. Bai He’s moistening properties provide a gentle balm, restoring hydration and easing irritation. My patients often describe it as a 'cooling dew' for their internal landscape, especially during dry seasons or stressful periods.
For instance, I recall one patient, a high-performing executive, who came to me with persistent dry cough and 'racing thoughts' that kept her awake. Her Western diagnostics were clear, but her TCM pulse and tongue suggested Lung and Heart Yin deficiency with some internal heat. Incorporating Bai He into her formula, alongside lifestyle adjustments, helped her regain restful sleep and significantly reduce her cough, illustrating how this herb addresses both physical and emotional manifestations of imbalance.
Many of us experience nights where our minds simply won't quiet down, a phenomenon TCM often attributes to 'Heart Fire' or Heart Yin deficiency. Bai He is exceptionally skilled at cooling this internal heat and nourishing the Heart's Yin, thereby calming the spirit (Shen). When the Heart is nourished and calm, our minds can truly rest.
Researchers at Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and other institutions, in a 2024 systematic review published in Heliyon, explored the traditional use of Baihe Zhimu (Lilium lancifolium bulb and Anemarrhena asphodeloides rhizome) decoction for depression, noting its long-standing use for 'Lily disease' and exploring its pharmacological mechanisms. This aligns with Bai He’s traditional use for symptoms like insomnia, irritability, and general emotional distress.
I often see patients like Sarah, a busy mother, who struggled with seasonal insomnia, particularly in the summer months when the heat seemed to exacerbate her restlessness. By incorporating Bai He into her evening routine, she found a noticeable shift towards deeper, more continuous sleep. It's important to differentiate, as discussions around Bai He often highlight, its effectiveness for acute insomnia (e.g.
, due to summer heat) versus chronic insomnia, which requires a more comprehensive TCM diagnosis and often a broader herbal strategy. For that acute 'heart fire,' however, Bai He can be wonderfully effective.
The Lung meridian, in TCM, governs respiration and the moistness of our upper respiratory tract. When Lung Yin is deficient, often due to prolonged illness, dry environments, or even emotional stress, it can manifest as a persistent, dry, unproductive cough, a scratchy throat, or even a hoarse voice. Bai He excels at moistening the Lungs and clearing heat, acting as a gentle expectorant and soothing agent. It helps replenish the vital fluids that keep our respiratory passages hydrated and healthy.
While not a direct treatment for acute infections, it's a wonderful support for the lingering, dry cough that often follows a cold or flu, or for chronic conditions where dryness is a factor. Think of it as restoring the natural lubrication to your respiratory system, allowing for smoother, less irritated breathing.
Beyond its well-known effects on the Heart and Lungs, Bai He also nourishes Stomach Yin and helps to harmonize the Middle Jiao (the digestive center). When Stomach Yin is deficient, symptoms can include a dry mouth, a feeling of hunger with little desire to eat, or even a gnawing, empty sensation in the stomach.
By moistening the Stomach, Bai He can support healthy digestion and alleviate discomfort, particularly for those with a drier constitution or those experiencing digestive upset due to heat. This subtle action helps ensure that the body can properly assimilate nutrients, contributing to overall vitality and preventing downstream issues that can arise from digestive imbalance.
Modern scientific inquiry, particularly within integrative medicine, is steadily validating many of Bai He’s traditional applications. Researchers are diligently isolating key active compounds that underpin its therapeutic effects. 何丹 et al., in a 2024 publication in 《中华中医药学刊》, identified that Bai He’s main active components are steroidal saponins, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides. They specifically noted that steroidal saponins possess anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. This gives us a glimpse into the molecular basis of its observed benefits.
A comprehensive systematic review, expected in Frontiers in 2025, is poised to further validate traditional claims of Lilium spp. (which includes Bai He) for diverse pharmacological activities. This review highlights promising antidepressant and antitumor effects, and its traditional use for conditions like depression and diabetes. This echoes the NCCIH's (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) focus on understanding traditional botanical medicines. Another recent review, published in PMC in 2024, discusses Lilium brownii (Bai He) as a nutraceutical.
It meticulously details active components like saponins, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and alkaloids, and correlates them with its traditional uses for nourishing yin, moistening lungs, dispelling fire, calming the mind, and treating symptoms such as chronic cough, fatigue, insomnia, and depression.
While extensive, large-scale human clinical trials specifically on Bai He are still emerging, these preclinical findings and systematic reviews provide a strong scientific foundation. For instance, the antidepressant-like effects observed in preclinical studies align directly with its TCM function of 'calming the Spirit' and addressing conditions like 'Lily disease.
' This bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary research, championed by institutions like the University of Arizona's Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, is where the true power of integrative medicine lies, allowing us to respect centuries of empirical observation while seeking molecular explanations for healing.
Incorporating Bai He into your wellness routine can be a simple and enjoyable process, whether you prefer it in a medicinal tea or as part of your culinary repertoire. The most common forms are dried slices for decoctions, powdered extracts, or fresh bulbs for cooking.
For a classic therapeutic approach, I typically recommend a dosage between 9 to 30 grams of dried Bai He. Simmer the lily bulbs in 2-3 cups of water for 20-30 minutes, or until they soften. You can drink this decoction 1-2 times daily. For specific conditions like supporting mood, 王新苗 et al. (《长春中医药大学学报》, 2024) observe that common clinical doses for depression range from 10-30g, aligning well with general recommendations.
If you prefer a more convenient form, a tincture can be a good option. The typical dosage is 2-5ml, 1-3 times daily, or as directed by your practitioner.
Bai He truly shines in the kitchen. It’s incredibly versatile and often used in Chinese food therapy. You can add fresh or dried lily bulbs to soups, congees, stir-fries, and even desserts. Its slightly sweet and earthy flavor blends beautifully. For instance, a simple dessert might involve simmering lily bulbs with rock sugar and goji berries for a calming evening treat.
When preparing Bai He for sleep, some traditional wisdom suggests that shorter cooking times might preserve certain volatile compounds, while longer simmering extracts more of the polysaccharides for deeper nourishment. While this is an area of ongoing discussion, generally, cooking until tender is sufficient to extract its benefits.
Given real concerns about heavy metal contamination in herbs from certain regions, I always advise patients to seek out reputable suppliers who provide third-party testing for purity. Brands committed to transparency about their sourcing and testing protocols are your best choice to ensure product safety and efficacy. Also, ensure you are buying Bulbus Lilii and not a decorative lily bulb, as not all lilies are safe for consumption.
As with any potent herb, understanding Bai He's safety profile is paramount. While generally considered safe for appropriate conditions, there are clear contraindications I must stress.
Cough due to Wind-Cold or Phlegm: Bai He's slightly cold nature and moistening action are not suitable for coughs stemming from external cold pathogens or excessive phlegm. It could worsen these conditions.
Early-stage coughs: Similarly, for acute, early-stage coughs, especially those with a clear external cause, Bai He is not the right choice. Its role is in nourishing and moistening chronic, dry, or deficient coughs.
Diarrhea due to Spleen or Stomach Deficiency: Bai He's moistening and slightly cold properties can exacerbate diarrhea in individuals with a weakened digestive system (Spleen or Stomach Deficiency). If you experience loose stools or chronic digestive weakness, Bai He should be avoided.
This is a critical area. Bai He has been shown to prolong sleeping time produced by various sedative medications. This includes barbiturates, antihistamines, narcotic analgesics, and benzodiazepines. If you are taking any of these medications, or other sedatives, it is absolutely essential to consult with your physician or pharmacist before considering Bai He, as it could enhance their effects leading to excessive drowsiness or other complications.
Currently, there is insufficient research to definitively confirm the safety of Bai He during pregnancy or lactation. Out of an abundance of caution, I strongly advise against its use during these periods. It's always best to err on the side of safety when it comes to expectant or nursing mothers.
Always discuss any herbal supplements with your healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking prescription medications.
Bai He, the humble lily bulb, offers us a profound lesson in holistic well-being. It reminds us that our physical symptoms, be it a persistent cough or a restless night, are often deeply intertwined with our emotional state and underlying energetic balances. As we embrace the wisdom of TCM, grounded in modern scientific inquiry, we find that the remedies passed down through generations hold immense value for navigating the complexities of contemporary life.
This delicate herb, nourishing and calming, invites us to pause, rehydrate, and find our inner quiet, a gentle reminder that balance is always within reach.
本資訊僅供教育目的，不構成醫療建議。使用任何草藥前，請務必諮詢合格的醫療從業人員。