Platycodon
root (Jiegeng)
Pharmaceutical Name : Radix Platycodi
Botanical Name : Platycodon grandiflorum
(Jacq.) A. DC.
Common Name : Platycodon root, Balloonflower
root
Source of Earliest Record : Shennong Bencao
Jing
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical
Preparations : The Platycodon roots are dug
in either spring or autumn, but the autumn
roots are better quality. After the root bark
has been removed, the roots are dried in the
sun and cut into slices.
Properties & Taste : Bitter, pungent
and neutral
Meridian : Lung
Functions:
1. To promote the dispersing function of the
lungs;
2. To resolve phlegm;
3. To expel pus
Indications & Combinations:
1. Failure of lung qi to disperse due to
invasion of exogenous pathogenic factors manifested
as cough with profuse sputum or sputum that
is difficult to expectorate, fullness and
distension in the chest and hypochondriac
region, sore throat and hoarse voice. Platycodon
root (Jiegeng) is used with Apricot seed (Xingren),
Perilla leaf (Zisuye) and Tangerine peel (Chenpi)
for wind-cold cough. Platycodon root (Jiegeng)
is used with Mulberry leaf (Sangye), Apricot
seed (Xingren) and Trichosanthes fruit (Gualou)
for wind-heat cough. Platycodon root (Jiegeng)
is used with Scrophularia (Xuanshen), Licorice
root (Gancao) and Arctium fruit (Niubangzi)
for sore throat and hoarse voice.
2. Toxic heat accumulated in the lungs (lung
abscess) manifested as cough with blood or
pus, yellow and offensive smelling sputum
and chest pain. Platycodon root (Jiegeng)
is used with Houttuynia (Yuxingcao), Benincasa
seed (Dongguaren) and Trichosanthes fruit
(Gualou).
Dosage: 3-10 g |
