Balloon Flower Root (Jie Geng, Platycodon grandiflorus)—Science‑Backed Respiratory & Throat Support
Breathe Easy—Naturally.
We deliver ethically harvested, lab‑verified Balloon Flower root (Jie Geng) in bulk slices, potent tincture, and convenient tea packs so you can clear phlegm, calm irritation, and keep your voice strong—backed by centuries of TCM wisdom and modern clinical science.
| Benefit | Mechanism (TCM + Modern) | Best Format | Pair With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clears phlegm & relieves productive cough | Opens Lung‑Qi, transforms phlegm; saponins thin mucus, enhance ciliary beat SAGE Journals | Raw or lightly toasted slices decocted | Pinellia (Ban Xia), Licorice |
| Soothes sore throat & hoarseness | Guides herbs upward; anti‑inflammatory triterpenoids block COX‑2/NF‑κB ScienceDirect | Tincture gargle 30 s before swallowing | Chrysanthemum, Honey |
| Eases mild wheeze & chest tightness | Disperses constrained Lung‑Qi; bronchodilation via β<sub>2</sub> pathways Wiley Online Library | Tea or capsules | Perilla Leaf |
| Supports immune defense against URIs | Resolves phlegm‑heat; boosts SIgA, modulates gut–lung microbiota PubMed | Daily tea during season | Astragalus, Elderberry |
| Expels pus in lung/throat abscesses | “Outthrusts pus,” venting toxicity; antibacterial saponins disrupt biofilms ScienceDirect | High‑dose decoction (up to 15 g) | Forsythia Fruit |
Dosage & Preparation
| Form | Typical Use | Usage Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk sliced root (raw) | decoction | Strong expectorant action |
| Lightly toasted root | decoction | Warmer for cold‑phlegm patterns |
| 10:1 concentrated granules | 1 g (≈ ½ tsp) 2–3×/day | Dissolve in hot water |
| Tincture (1:5, 40 % alc.) | 2 mL up to 3×/day | Gargle then swallow for throat relief |
| Tea packs | 1 sachet/250 mL, steep 7 min | Convenient travel option |
Pro‑tip: Add a slice of fresh ginger to harmonize the stomach if phlegm is copious.
How‑To Brew a Therapeutic Decoction
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Measure 9 g raw Jie Geng slices (≈ 3 Tbsp loosely packed).
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Rinse briefly to remove dust.
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Simmer in 500 mL water for 25 minutes, lid on.
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Strain; drink warm in two divided doses.
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Optional: Add 5 g Licorice root in last 10 minutes for smoother taste.
Sustainability & Lab Testing
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Origin: Jilin Province, altitude > 1200 m (low heavy‑metal soil).
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Processing: Shade‑dried, sulfur‑free; bronzed at 70 °C to preserve platycodins.
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Quality Markers: Platycodin D ≥ 0.25 % (HPLC), moisture < 10 %.
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Safety Screen: 260‑pesticide panel, heavy metals per California Prop 65.
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Carbon Footprint: Solar drying cuts CO₂ emissions 38 % vs. conventional.
Herbal Information for Balloon Flower Root in Cut Form
Common Name: Balloon Flower
Botanical Name: Platycodon grandiflorum; Radix
Channels/Meridians: Lungs, Stomach
Pin Yin Name: Jie Geng
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: 1 pound
Form: Cut / Sliced, not uniform pieces.
Dosage: Follow doctors instructions on how to use this herb.
Origin: China
Brand: Nuherbs - Geo-Authentic Herbs
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Contraindicated in those with chronic cough from Yin Deficiency.
Naturally Occurring Components: platycodin, deapioplatycodin, 2-O-acetylplatycodin, 3-O-acetylplatycodin, platycodigenin, polygalacic acid, methyl 3-O-β-D-glucpyranosyl polygalacate, methyl 3-O-β-laminaribiosyl polygalacat
Additional Information on Jie Geng
- Expels Pus
- Dispels Phlegm
- Benefits Throat
- Supports Respiratory System
- Disseminate Lung Qi
Herb Properties: Bitter, Acrid, Neutral
Herbs That Combine with Jie Geng
- Burdock and Jie Geng
- Angleica Dahurica and Jie Geng
- Schizonepeta and Jie Geng
- Forsythia Suspensa and Jie Geng
Balloon Flower root—Jie Geng (Platycodon grandiflorus)—clears stubborn phlegm, soothes sore throats, and opens the lungs. Choose bulk slices, potent tincture, or ready‑to‑brew tea from 1st Chinese Herbs for effortless breathing support.
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
- How to make salves, poultice, tinctures, teas, capsules, gargles, and foot bathes
- How to make a citrus facial splash
- Cayenne pepper: Caterpillar and aphid spray ( Natural insect repellent )
- Citrus potpourri basket
Nuherbs
Each batch of herbs is dual-lab tested by in-house lab and independent third party lab. In-house lab is equipped with instruments such as a high performance liquid chromatograph, moisture determination meter, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, gas chromatograph, etc
In addition, the following additional tests are performed:
- Microbacteria
- Pesticides - over 200 pesticides tested for (Uab 2000 screen)
- Heavy Metals - Lead, Mercury and Arsenic
Traditional Chinese Herbs encompasses the use of different parts of plants, such as the leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds. These plant parts are often used as a tea, decoctions, extracts, made into capsules or even a footbath. These bulk herbs should be regarded as an added feature to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs ( Teas ) emphasize harmony and balance.
We encourage you to educate yourself on herbs and supplements, by researching reputable sites, and books. Having an open discussion with your physician on what will be most beneficial for your health issues. And lastly discussing interaction of herbs and pharmaceuticals with your pharmacist or physician.
References
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7073691/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6977515/
https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/jie-geng
https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/JieGeng.html
