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Andrographis Herb (Chuan Xin Lian) - Cut Form 1 lb. - Nuherbs
Herbal Information for Andrographis Herb in Cut Form
Breathe easy with time-tested herbal remedies. Our respiratory herb features natural, TCM-based support for lung health, dry coughs, phlegm, and immune resilience. Each herb is hand-selected for purity, potency, and tradition.
Yin-nourishing herbs are essential in Traditional Chinese Medicine for soothing internal dryness, calming dry coughs, and restoring moisture to the lungs, stomach, and skin. Bei Sha Shen is one of the most effective Lung Yin tonics available, often used alongside herbs like Mai Men Dong and Bai He.
In TCM, Yin deficiency often results in internal dryness, particularly in the lungs and stomach. Symptoms include dry mouth, night sweats, dry cough without phlegm, hoarseness, and irritability. Bei Sha Shen helps restore moisture and cool internal heat, making it a foundational herb for Lung Yin deficiency care.
Quick Reference Guide Of Bei Sha Shen
Botanical name: Glehnia littoralis
TCM name: Bei Sha Shen (北沙参)
Flavor & Nature: Sweet, slightly bitter / cool
Meridians Entered: Lung, Stomach
Common Uses: Dry cough, sore throat, dry mouth, Yin deficiency
Category | Details |
---|---|
Primary Function | Nourishes Lung Yin and Stomach Yin, moistens dryness, soothes dry coughs, and supports respiratory health. |
Health Benefits | - Temporary Relieves dry cough and sore throat - Moistens lungs and skin - Calms hoarseness and dry mouth - Supports recovery from chronic respiratory conditions - Eases Yin deficiency symptoms |
Why It Works (Scientific & TCM View) | - Contains polysaccharides that promote tissue hydration and immune support - Moistens and nourishes Yin in the Lung and Stomach meridians - Reduces internal heat and dryness from long-term illness or heat exposure - Used traditionally to treat Lung Yin Deficiency syndromes marked by dry, non-productive cough, dry mouth, and irritability |
Use this preparation method to nourish Lung Yin, soothe dry coughs, and hydrate internal dryness.
10 grams of dried Bei Sha Shen root (sliced)
2 cups of filtered water
A small pot or saucepan
Fine mesh strainer
Optional: Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon), raw honey
(Always check with a physcian before starting any new herbal supplement)
Measure the Herb
Use 10 grams of dried Bei Sha Shen slices. If combining with Mai Men Dong, use 6–9 grams of each.
Rinse Briefly
Rinse the root quickly with cool water to remove any dust or debris.
Simmer the Tea
Add the herb to a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring to a light boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Strain the Liquid
Pour the tea through a fine strainer into your mug or thermos.
Sip Warm
Drink slowly while warm. Best taken between meals for better absorption.
Optional Enhancements
Add Mai Men Dong for enhanced Yin nourishment, or a spoon of raw honey to further soothe the throat.
Herb | Moistens Lungs | Cools Heat | Calms Shen | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bei Sha Shen | ✅ Yes | ✅ Mildly | ❌ No | Dry cough, sore throat |
Mai Men Dong | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Lung/Stomach dryness |
Bai He | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Lung dryness, anxiety |
Tian Men Dong | ✅ Strongly | ✅ Strongly | ❌ No | Severe Yin deficiency |
★★★★★ “My lungs feel clearer.”
I started taking Bei Sha Shen tea daily for my dry cough. Within a few days, my throat felt less scratchy, and I could breathe easier. A must-have during dry winter months.
— Maria G., Oregon
★★★★★ “Relieved my chronic dryness.”
I have Yin deficiency and get dry mouth and hoarseness easily. This herb helped more than I expected. I use it in a decoction every night. Great quality.
— Jason L., New York
★★★★☆ “Took a week, but it works.”
I noticed gradual relief after about a week. My skin wasn’t as dry either. I take it with Mai Men Dong, and it works really well.
— Sarah B., California
Q: What is Bei Sha Shen used for?
A: Bei Sha Shen (Glehnia Root) is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to nourish Lung and Stomach Yin, relieve dry cough, soothe sore throat, and moisten dryness from Yin deficiency.
Q: How do I take Bei Sha Shen?
A: It can be used in decoctions, teas, or powdered extracts. Typical decoction dosage is 6–15 grams, simmered for 20–30 minutes.
Q: Is Bei Sha Shen safe for daily use?
A: Yes, when used properly and in the correct dosage. It is considered gentle and is often used long-term for chronic Yin deficiency symptoms.
Q: Can I combine Bei Sha Shen with other herbs?
A: Absolutely. It’s often paired with Mai Men Dong, Yu Zhu, or Tian Men Dong for stronger Lung or Stomach Yin support.
Q: Is it good for smokers or people with dry lungs?
A: Yes, it's commonly used to help repair dryness caused by smoking, chronic coughing, or environmental heat/dryness.
Q: Does Bei Sha Shen help with digestion?
A: Yes, it moistens the Stomach Yin and may relieve dry mouth, dry throat, or discomfort associated with dryness in the digestive tract.
References:
herbapthy.com
alternativehealing.org
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35913
http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/g/glehnia-littoralis=bei-sha-shen.php
https://www.americandragon.com/Herb%20Formulas%20copy/ShaShenTang.html