Lilii Semen
Bǎi Hé Zǐ (Lily Seed) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the seed of Lilium brownii F. E. Brown var. viridulum Baker and other related species of the Liliaceae family.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat, cools blood, and stops bleeding.
Indications
Intestinal wind with bloody stool (i.e., hematochezia due to wind-heat or damp-heat accumulating in the large intestine). In addition, some literature also records its use for dysentery with bloody purulent stools and tenesmus (urgent but ineffective defecation), among other conditions.
Modern Pharmacology
Specific pharmacological research on lily seeds (Lilium seeds) is currently insufficient, with most available findings concentrated on the lily bulb. Lily bulbs contain active components such as steroidal saponins, polysaccharides, and alkaloids, and exhibit various pharmacological effects including antitussive and expectorant, sedative and hypnotic, antidepressant, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and hypoglycemic activities. As the seeds of the lily plant, lily seeds contain polysaccharides, alkaloids, and other active substances, which may provide a material basis for their effects of clearing heat and stopping bleeding. It should be noted that there are significant differences between lily seeds and lily bulbs in terms of medicinal parts and clinical applications, and the specific pharmacological activities of lily seeds require further in-depth investigation.
Ingredients
Specific research on the chemical constituents of lily seeds is relatively limited. Based on findings from studies on lily bulbs, Lilium mainly contains steroidal saponins, polysaccharides, alkaloids (such as colchicine), flavonoids, phenolic compounds, as well as phospholipids, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and various trace elements. As a reproductive organ, the chemical composition of lily seeds may differ from that of the bulbs, and the specific constituents remain to be further analyzed and confirmed.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, 3–9g; or ground into powder and taken with water.
Contraindications
Individuals with a deficient-cold constitution should reduce the dosage appropriately to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort. Not suitable for those with wind-cold cough or cough with copious thin white phlegm. Use with caution in cases of Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold or loose stools. If diarrhea, skin rash, or other adverse symptoms occur during use, discontinue immediately. Pregnant women and patients with chronic diseases should consult a TCM practitioner before use. It is advisable to avoid consuming together with warm-natured foods such as mutton and leek, as this may generate excessive internal heat.
Selected Formulas
For intestinal wind with bloody stools (Sun Simiao's formula, recorded in Bencao Gangmu) Take an appropriate amount of Baihezi (Lily seed), stir-fry with wine until slightly red, grind into fine powder, and take with warm water. For bleeding due to blood heat (empirical formula) Take 3–9g of Baihezi, decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
Bai He Zi Congee: Take 10–15 g of Bai He Zi and cook it with an appropriate amount of polished round-grained rice to make congee. It can be used as a daily dietary therapy. Bai He Zi Sweet Soup: Wash the Bai He Zi, bring to a boil with water, and simmer for 2–3 minutes. It may be sweetened with rock sugar or white sugar to taste. Bai He Zi Soup: It can be stewed with ingredients such as lean meat and goji berries. Recommended daily intake: 15–30 g for fresh seeds, and 5–10 g for dried seeds. Fresh Bai He Zi should be blanched to remove bitterness before cooking.
Medicinal Parts
Dried mature seeds.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture, mold, and insects. It is recommended to keep in a sealed container and avoid direct sunlight.
