Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Cynanchi Atrati Radix et Rhizoma |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 白薇 · Bai Wei |
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| Medicinal Part | Roots and rhizomes |
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| Efficacy Category | Heat-clearing |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried root and rhizome of Cynanchum atratum Bge. (Asclepiadaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Bitter, Salty; Cold |
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| Channels Entered | Stomach, Liver, Kidney |
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What Is Bai Wei?
Bai Wei (Blackend Swallowwort Root and Rhizome) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in Chinese provinces of Liaoning, Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Shanxi, Anhui.
Nature & Flavour: Bitter, Salty; Cold
Channels Entered: Stomach, Liver, Kidney
Bai Wei: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Cynanchi Atrati Radix et Rhizoma
Botanical Origin
The dried root and rhizome of Cynanchum atratum Bge. (Asclepiadaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in Chinese provinces of Liaoning, Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Shanxi, Anhui.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is thin and long, and brownish-yellow.
Macroscopic Features
Rhizome is thick and short with joints, curved. Round stem scars on the apex; thin and long roots grow in clusters off the rhizome on the base and sides; root is 10~25cm long, 0.1~0.2cm diameter. Externally brownish-yellow. Brittle texture and easily broken; yellowish-white cortex on fractured surface; xylem is yellow. faint odor; taste slightly bitter.
Traditional TCM Properties
Bitter, Salty; ColdStomachLiverKidney
Traditional Functions
Clears heat and cools blood, promotes diuresis and relieves stranguria, resolves toxin and heals sores.
How Bai Wei Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Bai Wei is classified among the Heat-clearing 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.
