Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Sinapis Semen |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 白芥子 · Bai Jie Zi |
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| Medicinal Part | Fruits and seeds |
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| Efficacy Category | Phlegm-resolving |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried ripe seed of Sinapis alba L. or Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. et Coss. (Brassicaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Acrid; Warm |
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| Channels Entered | Lung, Stomach |
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What Is Bai Jie Zi?
Bai Jie Zi (White Mustard Seed) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Anhui, Henan, Sichuan and Hebei.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid; Warm
Channels Entered: Lung, Stomach
Bai Jie Zi: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Sinapis Semen
Botanical Origin
The dried ripe seed of Sinapis alba L. or Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. et Coss. (Brassicaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Anhui, Henan, Sichuan and Hebei.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is full, uniformly colored, and intensely pungent.
Macroscopic Features
Spherical seeds, 1~2.5mm diameter; externally yellowish-white (white mustard) or brownish-red (brown mustard); pungent when crushed.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid; WarmLungStomach
Traditional Functions
Warms the lung, transforms cold-phlegm, and unblocks the channels to relieve pain. Apply to cold-phlegm cough and wheezing, and phlegm lodged in the channels with numbness or joint pain.
Classical Formulas Containing Bai Jie Zi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bai Jie Zi? Are Zi Su Zi and Lai Fu Zi the same?
Official Bai Jie Zi (白芥子) is the dried ripe seed of Sinapis alba. The pharmacopoeial name is Sinapis Albae Semen. Zi Su Zi is acrid-warm: directs qi downward, transforms phlegm, stops cough, calms panting, moistens the intestines and frees the stool. Lai Fu Zi is acrid-sweet and neutral: disperses food, relieves distension, directs qi downward and transforms phlegm. The three appear together in San Zi Yang Qin Tang, but they are not the same. Write Bai Jie Zi. Use caution in heat phlegm and yin-vacuity dry cough.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Bai Jie Zi?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Bai Jie Zi is acrid and warm, enters the Lung channel, and acts to warm the Lung, expel phlegm, move qi, disperse nodules, free the collaterals and stop pain. It is used for cold-phlegm panting cough, distending pain of the chest and flanks, phlegm lodged in the collaterals, numb or painful joints, phlegm-damp pouring, and yin abscess with swelling. Acrid, warm and dispersing, it suits cold phlegm and yin abscess—not chronic cough from Lung vacuity or yin-vacuity fire.
How do you choose raw versus dry-fried seed? Can Zi Su Zi replace it?
Raw seed disperses more strongly. Dry-frying eases the irritation. External powder plasters irritate the skin and can blister. Perilla seed directs qi downward and moistens the intestines; it cannot replace dispersing nodules and freeing the collaterals by equal weight. Table mustard is not equal-weight pieces.
Learn More About Bai Jie Zi
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Bai Jie Zi.
Read the Bai Jie Zi Guide →
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.
