As a cough remedy, Chuanbei (Fritillaria cirrhosa) is often boiled with pears to relieve coughing. In this regard, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) experts have reminded that if not used properly, Chuanbei not only goes to waste but may also worsen the condition.
It is understood that Chuanbei, also known as Chuanbei mother, is a relatively expensive traditional Chinese medicinal herb. This single ingredient can often be more costly than an entire decoction of medicine. During the dry winter months, when some people experience symptoms like a cold and cough, they boil Chuanbei with pears to eat. However, experts point out that this is a typical uneconomical practice of choosing expensive options over the correct ones, and it is not scientifically sound. Although Chuanbei has the effect of nourishing yin and moistening the lungs, its nature is slightly cool and it has an astringent effect. For colds and coughs commonly caused in winter by the large temperature difference between warm indoor and cold outdoor environments, the treatment principle should be to expel external pathogens rather than to astringe. Therefore, if Chuanbei is used to treat the condition at the initial stage of a cold, it is likely to be counterproductive and may even worsen the symptoms.
Therefore, experts suggest that at the initial stage of a cold, it is best to choose medicines that clear heat and detoxify, as well as have a dispelling effect, in order to achieve the goal of clearing heat and purging fire. In the later stages or for chronic coughs, Chuanbei can be considered for conditioning.