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 & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: 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.

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

Meridians: Liver, lung and stomach

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

1. Hemorrhages: a) cough with blood due to deficient yin of the lungs Bletilla 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 pain Bletilla 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).