【Naming】

Xie Bai

 【Source】

別錄中品 (Mingyi Bielu, a classical Materia Medica)

 【Common Usage Level】

C

 【Botanical Origin】

The bulb of Allium bakeri Regel or Allium macrostemon Bge., belonging to the Liliaceae family.

 【Characteristics】

The dried bulb is irregularly ovoid, varying in size, 1-1.5 cm long and 0.8-1.8 cm in diameter. It has a stem scar at the top. The surface is yellowish-white or light yellowish-brown, translucent, with longitudinal grooves and wrinkles, or covered with several layers of membranous scales that are easily detached when rubbed. It is hard, horny, not easily broken, and the cross-section is yellowish-white. It has a garlic odor and a slightly spicy taste.

 【Identification】

Yakucho says: “Xie Bai has two types, red and white, with the white being superior.”
The best quality is characterized by large size, firm texture, fullness, yellowish-white color, translucence, and the absence of flower stalks.

 【Category】

Rhizomes and Tubers