Long-Stamen Onion Bulb (Allium Macrostemon)

Long-Stamen Onion Bulb (Allium macrostemon), known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Xie Bai (薤白), is a warm, acrid, and mildly bitter herb traditionally used to unblock yang, move qi, and transform phlegm. Sourced from the bulb of the long-stamen onion, this herb is known for its penetrating aroma and ability to open chest congestion, making it especially valuable in formulas targeting chest pain, fullness, or phlegm accumulation.

In TCM, Xie Bai is often used to relieve chest discomfort due to cold, damp stagnation, especially when accompanied by a feeling of oppression, coughing with phlegm, or palpitations. It is also used to promote digestion and relieve abdominal pain from stagnant qi, often in the intestines or diaphragm.

When decocted, Long-Stamen Onion Bulb yields a pungent, warming infusion with a slightly bitter aftertaste. It is commonly paired with herbs like Gua Lou (Trichosanthes fruit), Zhi Ban Xia (Pinellia), and Hou Po (Magnolia bark) in formulas designed to move qi and phlegm, warm the chest, and ease pain.

Each batch of Long-Stamen Onion Bulb (Allium macrostemon) is carefully harvested, cleaned, and dried to retain its volatile oils, warming nature, and therapeutic strength. Whether used in herbal teas, decoctions, or traditional formulas for chest and digestive discomfort, Xie Bai offers a time-tested solution for unblocking stagnation, warming the interior, and promoting smooth flow of qi and fluids.