Zhejiang fritillary (Fritillaria thunbergii)
Synopsis of zhejiang fritillary
Zhejiang fritillary refers to the bulb of Fritillaria thunbergii, a species of flowering plant in the lily family (Liliaceae) native to Zhejiang province in eastern China. Known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Zhe Bei Mu, this herb is used primarily for its cooling, antitussive (cough-suppressing), and phlegm-resolving properties. The bulb is harvested in spring or autumn, dried, and either used whole or ground into powder for medicinal preparations.
Phytochemically, Fritillaria thunbergii bulbs contain a variety of alkaloids—especially peimine and peiminine—that are believed to account for its expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and antitussive effects. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that these compounds can reduce cough reflex sensitivity, inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, and thin mucus secretions, making the herb beneficial in respiratory conditions involving thick or stubborn phlegm.
Zhejiang fritillary is often used to relieve chronic coughs, especially those with heat signs—such as dry throat, thick yellow phlegm, or hoarseness. It is frequently combined with herbs like Platycodon, Trichosanthis, or Scutellaria to target lung heat and moistening imbalances. It also plays a role in formulations for swollen glands and nodular masses, including thyroid swellings and breast lumps, due to its mild dispersing and softening effects.
Historical Use:
Fritillaria thunbergii has been documented in Chinese medical literature since at least the Ming Dynasty, where it was distinguished from its sister species Fritillaria cirrhosa (Chuan Bei Mu). While Chuan Bei Mu was preferred for moistening dryness and treating yin deficiency coughs, Zhe Bei Mu was considered more effective at clearing heat and resolving phlegm-heat in the lungs. This differentiation remains central in TCM practice today.
Classical texts describe Zhe Bei Mu as entering the Heart and Lung meridians, with a cold and bitter energetic profile. It was prescribed for conditions characterized by heat-related phlegm, such as lingering productive coughs, abscesses, and inflammatory swellings. Herbalists used it both internally and externally—topically for carbuncles and infected swellings, and internally as part of decoctions for phlegmy chest congestion.
In historical practice, Zhe Bei Mu was also employed for what were termed “phlegm-fire nodules,” referring to hard lumps and tumors. Its softening and dispersing qualities made it useful for addressing scrofula, goiters, and mastitis. The herb was valued not only for respiratory support but also for its subtle regulatory effects on internal swelling and inflammatory accumulations.
Zhejiang fritillary is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Cough (damp) (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Influenza (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Sore Throat (Traditional)
Wheezing (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
zhejiang fritillary is used to support these body systems
Bronchials (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Sinuses (Traditional)
