What are the functions and effects of Allium macrostemon (Xie Bai)?
Nov 28, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Xiebai (Allium macrostemon Bunge) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, which is the dried bulb of the perennial herbaceous plant Allium, belonging to the Liliaceae or Amaryllidaceae family. Xiebai has various effects and functions, including resolving phlegm and relieving cough, alleviating pain, lowering blood lipids, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions, and promoting yang circulation to dissipate nodules. When using Xiebai, one should follow the guidance of a physician and should not take it blindly without medical advice.
Generally speaking, Xiebai (Allium macrostemon Bunge) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, which is the dried bulb of perennial herb plants, Allium or related species from the Liliaceae or Amaryllidaceae family. Xiebai has various therapeutic effects and functions, including resolving phlegm and relieving cough, relieving pain, lowering blood lipids, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions, and promoting yang circulation to dissipate nodules. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Resolving Phlegm and Relieving Cough
Xiebai helps eliminate dampness and cold-heat from the body and has effects of resolving phlegm and relieving cough. It can be used to treat symptoms such as excessive phlegm and cough, especially cough caused by cold-phlegm. It is also suitable for treating chronic bronchitis and other pulmonary diseases.
2. Pain Relief
Xiebai can dispel cold pathogens and stagnation, promote the circulation of qi, and alleviate pain caused by cold congealing. Whether it is angina pectoris or abdominal pain and distension caused by cold stagnation in the stomach, Xiebai demonstrates effective pain-relieving effects.
3. Lowering Blood Lipids
Extracts of Xiebai can reduce blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thereby exerting anti-atherosclerotic effects and aiding in the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia.
4. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Effects
The sulfides in Xiebai have broad-spectrum antibacterial effects and can inhibit the growth of multiple bacterial strains, making it applicable for treating bacterial infections. Additionally, Xiebai has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat inflammatory conditions such as pharyngitis and tonsillitis.
5. Promoting Yang Circulation and Dissipating Nodules
With acrid-dispersing, bitter-descending, and warm-penetrating properties, Xiebai effectively alleviates stagnation caused by cold pathogens and promotes the circulation of yang energy in the chest. It shows therapeutic effects on symptoms such as chest pain and chest tightness caused by cold-phlegm obstruction and insufficient chest yang.
Although Xiebai has rich nutritional value and medicinal benefits, excessive consumption may cause discomfort. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation in daily diet to avoid overconsumption.
