Witnessed by: TCM
Bolbostemma (Bolbostemma paniculatum), of the Cucurbitaceae family. Climbing tuberous vine of thickets; native range: northern and central China. Globally recognized as tu bei mu (土貝母) in Chinese, and earth fritillary in English. The part used is tuber. Hard pale angular tuber, hornlike when dried, intensely 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.
BOLBOSTEMMA
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- bolbostemma
- Scientific name
- Bolbostemma paniculatum (Maxim.) Franquet
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
Form
- Part used
- tuber
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter
Temperature
- TCM
- cool (slightly cold)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Lung · Spleen
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- clears heat, resolves toxicity, reduces swelling, dissipates nodules and clumps
Cautions
- Contraindications
- yin-type flat sores from deficiency and cold
- Toxicity
- none notable at customary dose
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