This product is the root of the perennial herb Platycodon Root (Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC.) from the Platycodon Root family. It is found in most regions across the country, with larger yields in the Northeast and North China regions, and higher quality in the East China region. It is harvested in spring and autumn, with the fibrous roots removed, and the outer bark peeled or left intact, then sliced and dried for use.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Bitter and acrid, neutral. Act on lung meridian.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Ventilating lung and resolving phlegm, benifiting pharynx, expelling pus.

bubble_chart Indications

1. Used for cough with profuse phlegm and chest tightness due to lung qi failing in dispersion. This product is pungent and dispersing, bitter and draining, opens lung qi, resolves phlegm, and benefits qi, applicable whether the condition is cold or heat. For wind-cold, combine with Perilla Leaf, Bitter Apricot Seed, such as Apricot Kernel and Perilla Powder; for wind-heat, combine with Mulberry Leaf, Chrysanthemum Flower, Bitter Apricot Seed, add Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Decoction; if there is chest and diaphragm stuffiness, phlegm obstruction, and qi stagnation, with failure of ascending and descending, combine with Submature Bitter Orange to raise descending qi mechanism, regulate qi, and widen the chest.
2. Used for sore throat and loss of voice. This product can ventilate the lung, benefit the pharynx, and restore voice. For external pathogens invading the lung, with sore throat and loss of voice, combine with Liquorice Root, Great Burdock Achene, etc., such as Platycodon Decoction and Modified Licorice and Platycodon Decoction; if there is sore throat with intense heat toxin, combine with Belamcanda Rhizome, Puff-Ball, Isatis Root, etc., to clear heat, remove toxin, and benefit the pharynx.
3. Used for lung abscess with coughing and expectoration of purulent phlegm. This product is dispersing and ascending, can benefit lung qi to expel congested purulent phlegm from the lung. For treating lung abscess with cough and chest fullness, occasionally expectorating turbid, foul-smelling sputum, and prolonged expectoration of pus, combine with Liquorice Root for use, such as Platycodon Decoction from "Jin Gui"; clinically, it is also combined with Heartleaf Houttuynia Herb, waxgourd seed, etc., to enhance the effect of clearing the lung and expelling pus.
4. In addition, it can also open lung qi to facilitate urination and defecation, used to treat ischuria and constipation.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Benjing: "Main chest hypochondriac pain like knife stabbing, abdominal distension and fullness, borborygmus faintly."
2. Zhenzhunang: "Treats sore throat, benefits lung qi, treats nasal congestion."
3. Bencao Qiuzhen: "Platycodon Root is a medicine that opens lung qi, can serve as a boat for various medicines, carrying them to float upwards, and can guide bitter purgative drastic purgation agents."

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

Decoct 3-6g for oral use. For expelling pus, 10g can be used.

bubble_chart Cautions and Contraindications

This product has a dispersing and ascending nature. It is not suitable for conditions such as upward counterflow of qi movement, vomiting, choking cough, vertigo, hemoptysis due to yin deficiency with effulgent fire, etc. Excessive dosage may easily cause nausea and vomiting. Additionally, due to the hemolytic effect of Platycodon Root saponins, it is not suitable for injection administration.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

This product contains various saponins, mainly Platycodon Root saponins, as well as inulin, phytosterols, etc.

1. It can reflexively increase tracheal secretion, dilute sputum, and has a strong dispelling phlegm effect; it also has an antitussive effect.
2. Platycodon Root saponins have anti-inflammatory effects, can inhibit gastric juice secretion and have anti-ulcer properties; in addition, they have antispasmodic, analgesic, sedative, hypoglycemic, and lipid-lowering effects.
3. Platycodon Root saponins have a strong hemolytic effect, but when taken orally, they can be decomposed and destroyed in the digestive tract, losing their hemolytic effect.