Which is better, Chuan Bei or Chuan Bei Mu

Chuanbei and Chuanbeimu are actually different names for the same medicinal herb. Traditionally, Chuanbeimu is used as the official name, and its quality mainly depends on the place of origin and variety. High quality Sichuan fritillaria is mainly produced in Songpan and other areas of Sichuan. It is best to have a conical shape with a white and slightly yellow surface. It has the effects of clearing heat and moistening the lungs, resolving phlegm and stopping cough, and is suitable for cough caused by lung heat and dryness or chronic cough caused by yin deficiency. Common varieties in the market include pine shells, green shells, and furnace shells. Pine shells with small and uniform particles and tightly closed tips have the best quality. The active ingredients of Fritillaria thunbergii are mainly alkaloids and saponins, which can inhibit the cough center and dilute sputum. For the lung yin deficiency syndrome with dry cough and low phlegm, it is often combined with ginseng and Ophiopogon japonicus; The lung heat syndrome with phlegm yellow and viscous is often accompanied by Huangqin and Sangbaipi. Attention should be paid to its mild coldness, and it should be used with caution for those with spleen and stomach deficiency cold. Excessive use may cause diarrhea. When purchasing, avoid choosing products that have been excessively smoked with sulfur. Normally, Sichuan Fritillaria should have a slight bitter taste rather than a sour and astringent taste.

For daily use, Sichuan Fritillaria powder can be ground and stewed with pears, or mixed with almonds to make a paste. When storing, it should be sealed and moisture-proof to avoid the volatilization of active ingredients. When coughing for more than two weeks or accompanied by fever and hemoptysis, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly to check for diseases such as tuberculosis, and not rely solely on Chuanbeimu for treatment. Children and pregnant women should consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner before use, and those with wind cold cough should not use it alone.