Witnessed by: TCM
Bletilla (Bletilla striata), of the Orchidaceae family. Terrestrial orchid with pleated leaves and magenta flowers; native range: China and Japan, on shady slopes and rocky banks. Globally recognized as bai ji (白及) in Chinese, and hyacinth orchid in English. The part used is tuber. Hard translucent tuber, mucilaginous and sticky when moistened, bland then bitter.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
BLETILLA
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- bletilla
- Scientific name
- Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Rchb.f.
- Family
- Orchidaceae
Form
- Part used
- tuber
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter · sweet · astringent
Temperature
- TCM
- cool (slightly cold)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Lung · Stomach · Liver
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- stops bleeding, reduces swelling, promotes the regeneration of flesh and tissue
Cautions
- Contraindications
- incompatible with aconite (chuan wu, cao wu) under the eighteen antagonisms; avoid in early lung abscess with active heat and pus
- Toxicity
- none notable at customary dose
- Sourcing status
- cites-ii
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