Witnessed by: TCM
Stemona (Stemona sessilifolia), of the Stemonaceae family. Twining perennial with a cluster of spindle-shaped fleshy roots; native range: eastern and central China. Globally recognized as bai bu (百部) in Chinese, and stemona root, sessile stemona in English. The part used is root. Pale, fleshy, faintly sweet then bitter tuberous roots that soften and moisten on decoction.
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.
STEMONA
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- stemona
- Scientific name
- Stemona sessilifolia (Miq.) Miq.
- Family
- Stemonaceae
Form
- Part used
- root
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter · sweet
Temperature
- TCM
- neutral (slightly warming)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Lung
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- moistens the Lung, stops cough, and kills parasites
Cautions
- Contraindications
- caution in diarrhea or Spleen deficiency with loose stools
- Toxicity
- large doses may irritate the digestive tract; the root alkaloids are toxic in overdose
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