Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Bletillae Rhizoma |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 白及 · Bai Ji |
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| Medicinal Part | Roots and rhizomes |
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| Efficacy Category | Hemostatic |
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| Botanical Origin | The dired rhizome of Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb. f. (Orchidaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Bitter, Sweet, Astringent; Slightly cold |
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| Channels Entered | Lung, Liver, Stomach |
What Is Bai Ji?
Bai Ji (Common Bletilla Tuber) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, Hubei, Jiangxi.
Nature & Flavour: Bitter, Sweet, Astringent; Slightly cold
Channels Entered: Lung, Liver, Stomach
Bai Ji: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Bletillae Rhizoma
Botanical Origin
The dired rhizome of Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb. f. (Orchidaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, Hubei, Jiangxi.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is large, full, white, translucent, hard and firm texture.
Macroscopic Features
Irregular flat spherical shape, with 2~3 claw-like branches, 0.5~1.5cm long, 0.5~1.5cm thick. Externally grayish-white or yellowish-white; presents numerous circular and concentric rings and brown dots of rootlet scars; presents raised stem scars, a scar of connection with another stem on the base. Hard texture, hard to break, off-white fracture surface, horn-like. faint odor; taste bitter, sticky when chewed.
Traditional TCM Properties
Bitter, Sweet, Astringent; Slightly coldLungLiverStomach
Traditional Functions
Astringes and stops bleeding, reduces swelling and generates flesh.
How Bai Ji Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Bai Ji is classified among the Hemostatic herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.