Fritillaria thunbergii Zhe Bei Mu (Liliaceae)

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Fritillaria thunbergii
Zhe Bei Mu
(1 Page of 5)

The Fritillaria thunbergii plant species is found in E. Asia - E. China. It is a member of the Liliaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Zhe Bei Mu. Some home gardeners know the variety as F. collicola. Hance. F. verticillata thunbergii.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Fritillaria thunbergii
Common Name:  Zhe Bei Mu
Family:  Liliaceae
Author:  Miq.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Bamboo thickets[163].

Medicinal Information: The bulbs are antidote, antitussive, astringent, expectorant, galactogogue and purgative[147, 174, 176, 218]. They contain fritimine which diminishes excitability of respiratory centres, paralyses voluntary movement and counters effects of opium[61]. The bulbs are thought to act specifically on tumours and swellings of the throat, neck and chest, and they are taken in the treatment of thyroid gland nodules, scrofula, abcesses and boils and breast cancer[254]. The bulb is used internally in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis, pneumonia, feverish illnesses, abscesses etc[238]. The bulbs also have a folk history of use against cancer of the breast and lungs in China[218, 238]. This remedy should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, excessive doses can cause breathing difficulties and heart failure[238]. The bulbs are harvested in the winter whilst they are dormant and are dried for later use[238].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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