Do you know Lily Bulb, a.k.a. Bai He? This sweet, cooling herb has been around since ancient times, and it's just the thing for balancing the Yin and combatting too much heat in the body. We're digging deeper into what this plant does, why it works so well, and how it is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
First, What is Lily Bulb?
Lily Bulb comes from the bulb of the lily plant, native to China. Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, its bulb is harvested during the autumn and winter, dried and then consumed. Its sweetness and cooling properties make it a perfect remedy for those suffering from too much heat in their body.
Lily Bulb in TCM helps combat coughs, clear heat, soothe the spirit, and restore balance between Yin and Yang energies.
What are the Benefits of Lily Bulb in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
This highly valued herb is commonly used to combat coughs related to either Lung Yin Deficiency or Lung Heat. In addition, Lily Bulb has the remarkable ability to clear Heat from the Heart and soothe the Spirit (Shen).
Moreover, it can help re-establish balance between Yin and Yang energy within the body. In TCM, Yin and Yang are two opposing energies that must be equal in order for your system to be operating at its peak. When Yin is deficient, dryness, heat, and irritability can result. That’s why Lily Bulb is a tonic herb for Yin Deficiency – it nourishes your system and helps restore equilibrium.
How Can You Use Lily Bulb?
Edible lily bulbs are an absolute must-have in any wellness diet. Packed with essential nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, this yummy ingredient is not only delicious but also has tremendous health benefits. With its ability to nourish the lungs and aid digestion, traditional Chinese medicine has long looked to lily bulb food for its medicinal uses.
When it comes to cooking, edible lily bulbs provide plenty of options. Boil them in soups and stews, stir-fry them in a pan or bake them into pies – no matter which way you decide to use them, they're sure to bring some serious flavor and texture to the table.
Take advantage of traditional Chinese recipes featuring lily bulb food to add a cooling and sweet taste while also benefiting from its medicinal properties. Here are a few ways to try it:
1. Stir-Fried Fresh Lily Bulb with Celery and Mushrooms: This dish is perfect for fall when fresh lily bulbs are available. Blanch the lily bulb and celery before stir-frying with mushrooms, oyster sauce, and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Celery with Lily Bulb and Goji Stir-Fry: Soak dried lily bulbs in advance before stir-frying with celery, goji berries, and arrowroot flour. Season with salt and white pepper for a delicious and healthy dish.
3. Congee with Walnuts, Lily Bulb, and Black Sesame: This congee recipe is perfect for a comforting and nourishing meal. Boil jasmine rice with walnuts, dried lily bulb, and black sesame seeds until the rice turns mushy and smooth.
4. Add to Salads or Veggie Dishes: Lily bulbs can add a unique flavor and texture. Just make sure to use lily bulbs and not day lilies.
Lily Bulb can be added to food or taken as a supplement in pill or powder form. It is typically used in combination with other herbs to create a balanced formula.
The Takeaway
Lily Bulb is a highly valued herb in traditional Chinese medicine for its ability to nourish Yin and restore balance in the body. It is commonly used to stop coughs and clear Heat from the Heart and Lung, as well as calm the Spirit (Shen).
Lily Bulb's sweet taste and cooling nature make it an ideal herb for those with too much Heat in their body. However, it is important to consult with a licensed practitioner before using any herbal remedy to ensure proper usage and dosage.
The Research Behind Lily Bulb
The results showed that all bulb extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activities, which generally correlated positively with the total phenolic contents Learn more
The results of this preliminary investigation may provide a basis for the historical use of lily bulbs to promote dermal healing after injury. Learn more
These results suggest a favorable effect of lily bulb on colon health by modulating colonic barrier function, microflora profile, and fermentation in rats fed a high-fat diet. Learn more