Roots and rhizomesPhlegm-resolvingBulbus Fritillariae

Bei Mu (Fritillaria Bulb)

貝母 · Bei Mu

Phlegm-resolving herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional functions: Clears heat, moistens the lung, transforms phlegm, and dissipates nodules.

In-Depth Guide

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Quick Facts

Latin NameBulbus Fritillariae
Chinese Name & Pinyin貝母 · Bei Mu
Medicinal PartRoots and rhizomes
Efficacy CategoryPhlegm-resolving
Botanical OriginThe dried bulb of Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don (Chuan Bei Mu) or Fritillaria thunbergii Miq. (Zhe Bei Mu) (Liliaceae).
Nature & FlavourBitter, Sweet; Slightly cold
Channels EnteredLung, Heart

What Is Bei Mu?

Bei Mu (Fritillaria Bulb) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Chuan Bei Mu primarily produced in Sichuan, Tibet and Qinghai; Zhe Bei Mu primarily produced in Zhejiang and Jiangsu.

Nature & Flavour: Bitter, Sweet; Slightly cold
Channels Entered: Lung, Heart

Bei Mu: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Bulbus Fritillariae

Botanical Origin

The dried bulb of Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don (Chuan Bei Mu) or Fritillaria thunbergii Miq. (Zhe Bei Mu) (Liliaceae).

Production Regions

Chuan Bei Mu primarily produced in Sichuan, Tibet and Qinghai; Zhe Bei Mu primarily produced in Zhejiang and Jiangsu.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material is firm, white, and powdery, without residual stem or foreign matter.

Macroscopic Features

Chuan Bei Mu: conical or sub-spherical bulbs, 0.3~1.5cm high; externally whitish, two fleshy scales clasping, one large and one small. Zhe Bei Mu: larger, flattened spherical, 1~2.5cm diameter, externally whitish to pale yellow.

Traditional TCM Properties

Bitter, Sweet; Slightly coldLungHeart

Traditional Functions

Clears heat, moistens the lung, transforms phlegm, and dissipates nodules. Apply to dry cough from lung heat or yin deficiency, scant sticky sputum, and scrofula or goiter.

How Bei Mu Is Used in TCM

In the Chinese materia medica, Bei Mu is classified among the Phlegm-resolving herbs. It appears in 7 classical formulas in our library.

Formulas containing Bei Mu are traditionally used for:

FeverSore ThroatNeck PainDry CoughDry Mouth & ThroatCoughYin Deficiency ConstitutionNight SweatsExcessive Mucus

Classical Formulas Containing Bei Mu

+3 more

Herbs Commonly Combined with Bei Mu

Bai ZhiFang FengChi ShaoDang GuiGan CaoZao Jiao CiTian Hua FenRu XiangMo YaoJin Yin HuaChen PiHai Zao

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bei Mu? Are Chuan Bei, Zhe Bei and Ping Bei the same herb?
“Bei Mu” is a group name for dried fritillary bulbs, not one official drug. Chuan Bei Mu (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus) comes from Fritillaria cirrhosa and related high-altitude species. Zhe Bei Mu (Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus) is Fritillaria thunbergii. Ping Bei, Yi Bei and Hubei Bei are listed separately. Tu Bei Mu is a cucurbit, not a fritillary. In clinic the key split is: moisten dry deficiency cough with Chuan Bei; clear phlegm-heat and dissipate nodules with Zhe Bei. They are not interchangeable.
How do the properties of Chuan Bei Mu and Zhe Bei Mu differ?
Chuan Bei Mu is bitter, sweet and slightly cold, enters Lung and Heart, and clears heat, moistens the Lung, transforms phlegm, stops cough and dissipates nodules—best for Yin-deficiency dry cough, scant sputum and lingering consumptive cough. Zhe Bei Mu is bitter and cold, and clears heat, transforms phlegm and dissipates nodules more strongly—best for phlegm-heat or wind-heat cough and for scrofula, breast abscess or lung abscess. Short rule: Chuan Bei moistens deficiency-dryness; Zhe Bei drains excess heat.
How can you tell Chuan Bei Mu from Zhe Bei Mu by appearance?
Chuan Bei is small. Song Bei classically shows “embracing the moon”—a large scale wrapping a small one—with a closed apex. Qing Bei has more even scales; Lu Bei may show “tiger-skin” mottling. Zhe Bei is much larger: thick single scales like “ingot bulbs,” or whole “pearl bulbs,” very powdery and more bitter. Ping Bei is flatter with two similar scales. Chuan Bei is far costlier; Ping Bei or broken Zhe Bei is a common substitute. Buy labeled official slices.
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Learn More About Bei Mu

Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Bei Mu.

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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.

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