Bái Biǎn Dòu (白扁豆) — White Hyacinth Bean
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Bái Biǎn Dòu (白扁豆) — the white seed of Lablab purpureus — is a food-grade Chinese herb widely used as both a gentle Spleen tonic and a Damp-resolving Summer Heat herb. Its mild, sweet, neutral nature makes it suitable for daily use over extended periods, including in pregnancy. It is one of the four sweet Spleen-tonifying ingredients of Shen Ling Bai Zhu San alongside Shan Yao and Yi Yi Ren.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Bái Biǎn Dòu |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 白扁豆 |
| Latin name | Semen Dolichoris Lablab / Lablab purpureus |
| English name | White hyacinth bean |
| Nature | Slightly warm (or neutral) |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | Spleen, Stomach |
| Category | Herbs that tonify Qi |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Tonifies the Spleen and transforms Damp
- Resolves Summer Heat and stops diarrhoea
Indications
- Spleen Qi deficiency with Damp causing chronic loose stools, fatigue and reduced appetite
- Summer Heat with Damp causing fever, diarrhoea, vomiting and thirst
- Vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea) from Spleen Damp
- Gentle support in pregnancy for nausea and Damp-related digestive symptoms
- Food poisoning from alcohol or contaminated food (traditional indication)
4. Key formulas containing Bái Biǎn Dòu
- Shen Ling Bai Zhu San — Spleen Qi deficiency with chronic diarrhoea
- Liu He Tang — Summer Heat with Damp and abdominal pain
5. Incompatibilities
Bái Biǎn Dòu (白扁豆) White Hyacinth Bean is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions). As with every Chinese herb it should be prescribed only as part of a balanced formula by a registered Chinese herbalist (RCHM), who will check for interactions with any other herbs and prescription medications you are taking.
6. Cautions
Raw Bai Bian Dou contains a small amount of phytohaemagglutinin and is mildly toxic; it must be cooked before use (the herb is supplied dry-fried, chao). Generally very well tolerated. Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.
Pattern contraindications
Contraindicated in Excess patterns (acute Heat, full Wind invasion, food stagnation, retained pathogens). Use cautiously where Damp accumulation is prominent — many Qi tonics are sweet and can be cloying. Avoid combining with simultaneous strong pathogen-clearing without the practitioner balancing the formula.
Modern drug interactions
Qi tonics can interact with corticosteroids, diabetes medications (variable effect on blood glucose) and antihypertensives. Tell your GP if you are taking warfarin, ciclosporin, antidiabetics or BP-lowering medication before starting a Qi-tonic formula.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I see patients at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online consultations are available. Return to the Chinese herb directory.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
