Bletilla Tuber (Bai Ji)

白芨
Bletilla tuber (Baiji)

Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma Bletillae

Botanical Name: Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb. f.

Common Name: Bletilla tuber

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used: The rhizomes are dug in summer or autumn. After the fibrous roots have been removed, the rhizomes are cleaned, boiled in water, dried in the sun and cut into slices.

Natural Properties & Taste: Bitter, sweet, astringent and slightly cold

Meridians: Liver, lung and stomach

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To stop bleeding;
2. To reduce swelling and promote healing

Indications:
1. Hemorrhages: a) cough with blood due to deficient yin of the lungsBletilla tuber (Baiji) is used with Donkey hide gelatin (Ejiao), Lotus node (Oujie) and Loquat leaf (Pipaye); b) vomiting with bloodBletilla tuber (Baiji) is used with Cuttlefish bone (Wuzeigu) in the formula Wu Ji San; c) hemorrhage due to external injuries. Bletilla tuber (Baiji) can be applied alone or with the powder of Calcine gypsum (Duanshigao) for external use.

2. Boils, carbuncles and swelling: a) affected areas with redness, swelling, hot sensation and painBletilla tuber (Baiji) is used with Honeysuckle flower (Jinyinhua), Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuanbeimu), Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen) and Honeylocust thorn (Zaojiaoci) in the formula Neixiao San; b) chronic non-healing ulcersthe powder of Bletilla tuber (Baiji) is applied directly to wounds.

3. Chapped skin or cracked hands or feet. The powder of Bletilla tuber (Baiji) is mixed with sesame oil for external use.

Dosage: 3-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb counteracts Sichuan aconite root (Wutou)