Can I drink the water infused with Bai Bu (Stemona tuberosa)?

Apr 23, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

In general, Stemonae Radix (Bai Bu) can be steeped in water for consumption, but it should not be taken in excessive amounts or for prolonged periods. Stemonae Radix has functions of moistening the lungs, relieving cough, and alleviating asthma. Drinking the infusion may help relieve symptoms such as cough due to lung heat, excessive phlegm, and shortness of breath, and it can serve as an adjunct in treating tuberculosis-related cough and whooping cough. Additionally, Stemonae Radix has insecticidal and antipruritic properties; when applied externally, it can be used to treat head lice, body lice, enterobiasis, and genital itching.

Generally speaking, stemona root (Bai Bu) can be consumed as a tea, but it should not be taken in excessive amounts over a prolonged period. The details are as follows:

Stemona root has the effects of moistening the lungs, relieving cough, and alleviating asthma. Drinking it as a tea can help relieve symptoms such as cough caused by lung heat, excessive phlegm, and shortness of breath. It can also serve as an adjunctive treatment for tuberculosis-related cough and whooping cough. Additionally, stemona root has insecticidal properties and can be used externally to treat head lice, body lice, pinworm infections, and genital itching. Drinking stemona root tea also helps moisturize the intestines and relieve constipation.

However, it should be noted that stemona root has certain toxic properties. Long-term and excessive consumption may lead to adverse reactions such as fatigue, limb aches, and increased frequency of urination. Individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold syndromes, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should avoid consuming stemona root tea to prevent possible adverse effects. Individuals with special health conditions should also consult a qualified physician before use. If stemona root is to be used in combination with other Chinese herbs to enhance its therapeutic effects, it should be done under the guidance of a physician to avoid adverse drug interactions.

In daily life, when taking traditional Chinese medicine, it is important to develop healthy lifestyle habits, such as avoiding long-term smoking, and engaging in moderate physical exercise, such as jogging or hiking, which benefits overall health. During the period of consuming stemona root tea, one should maintain a light diet and avoid spicy and stimulating foods such as chili peppers, garlic, and ginger, as these may interfere with the therapeutic effects of the medicine.

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Can Stemonae Radix (Bai Bu) be steeped in water for drinking?

In general, Bai Bu (Stemona tuberosa) can be steeped in water and consumed, but it should not be taken in excess or for prolonged periods. Drinking Bai Bu tea may help alleviate symptoms such as cough due to lung heat, excessive phlegm, and shortness of breath, and can serve as an adjunctive treatment for tuberculosis-related cough and whooping cough. Avoid consuming excessive amounts of Bai Bu tea; individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold and pregnant women are advised against its use, as it may cause bodily discomfort.

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Can Chuanxiong be steeped in water for consumption?

Under normal circumstances, Chuanxiong (Ligusticum wallichii) can be consumed as an infusion, but it should be taken in moderation. When drinking Chuanxiong water, it is important to control the dosage—typically 3–5 grams per use is sufficient. Excessive consumption may cause discomfort such as dry mouth and heatiness. Individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat, as well as pregnant women, are strictly prohibited from consuming it; the former may experience increased internal heat, while the latter may be affected due to its blood-activating properties, potentially impacting fetal stability.