Fritillaria

Fritillaria thunbergii

Fritillaria Thunberg Fritillaria Bulb Uses Considerations

Fritillaria is an Oriental lily that is gathered in the early summer after the aerial (aboveground) parts of the plant have withered. Herbal medicine uses thick slices of the rhizome.

Using the right species of fritillaria is important. Asian herbalists use a second variety of fritillaria, Fritillaria cirrhosa, that is toxic without careful processing.

USES

Fritillaria is a potent cough suppressant that also offers steroid like relief of inflammation. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners have used it for treating people with illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchial infections who have difficulty bringing up mucus. It has also been used to treat swollen glands, nodular swellings, and abscesses in the lungs or breast.

Benefits of fritillaria for specific health conditions include the following:

• Cough, influenza, laryngitis, and lupus. Fritillaria dilates the bronchial tubes, relieves cough, and reduces salivation. Scientists have found that this herb acts in a manner similar to the medication dexamethasone (Cortastat, Decadron, Dexasone, and others), which is used to treat nasal allergy and inflammation, as well as lupus.

CONSIDERATIONS

The most widely available form of fritillaria is the patent medicine qing chi hua tan tang (Fritillaria and Pinellia Syrup). This medicine is nontoxic and is safe when used as directed. Unprocessed fritillaria, which may be sold in some Chinese pharmacies, should never be taken internally. Since fritillaria stimulates uterine contractions, it should be avoided during pregnancy. People with high blood pressure should not use this herb.