Coastal Glehnia Root (Bei Sha Shen), sweet and slightly bitter in taste, mildly cold in nature, enters the Lung and Stomach Meridians. Its core functions include nourishing yin and moistening dryness, clearing heat and resolving toxicity, moistening the lungs to arrest cough, lubricating intestines to relieve constipation, and strengthening overall vitality.

Pharmacological Actions and Clinical Applications

Nourishes Yin and Moistens Dryness

Mechanism: Replenishes bodily fluids to alleviate symptoms of yin deficiency, such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, and throat irritation.

Indications: Chronic febrile diseases, post-illness dehydration.

Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity

Applications: Reduces fever and dizziness in infectious conditions by lowering pathogenic heat.

Moistens Lungs and Arrests Cough

Action: Soothes respiratory mucosa, easing dry cough and throat discomfort.

Key Use: Supports treatment of chronic bronchitis, dry asthma, or post-COVID lung dryness.

Lubricates Intestines and Relieves Constipation

Function: Stimulates intestinal peristalsis and softens stools for effortless bowel movement.

Target: Age-related or yin-deficiency constipation.

Strengthens Vitality

Science: Polysaccharides and flavonoids exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, enhancing disease resistance and immune modulation.

Synergistic Formulations

Purpose Classic Pairing

Lung dryness with cough Ophiopogon, Lily bulb

Stomach yin deficiency Dendrobium, Adenophora

Heat-induced constipation Cannabis Seed

Safety and Usage Guidelines

Contraindications:

Spleen-stomach deficiency with cold: May worsen loose stools or cold intolerance.

Early-stage externally-contracted cold.

Dosage: 6–12g in decoction; higher doses require professional supervision.

Adverse Effects: None reported at therapeutic doses.

Clinical Insight

Bei Sha Shen exemplifies TCM’s "gentle nourishing" approach. Unlike harsh heat-clearing herbs, it clears residual heat while protecting fluid balance—ideal for convalescent care.

Precision in application unlocks its harmonizing power.