Ingredient Name: Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae, tendrilled fritillary bulb

Traditional Chinese Name: 川貝 (chuān bèi)

• The dried flower bulb of the Fritillaria plant (which is a perennial herb) that contains about 100 species of this bulbous plant
• The exact plant is the Fritillariae Cirrhosae, which is one of these species
• A recognized official drug in Chinese medicine
• The bulbs are often white-beige in color and around 1-2 cm in diameter and are very light weight
• Various forms of this herb can be found as dried (as pictured above), powdered or cream
  

How do I prepare it?

• Rinse in warm water before usage to ensure all dirt and soil is removed

Where can I buy this?

Most herbal shops will carry this
Wet marts in Hong Kong will also sometimes carry this
Not commonly found in western supermarkets

What is the cost?

• Not very expensive

Any benefits?

• Ideal in removing heat and fire from the body
• Great for bringing moisture to the lungs and throat
• Helps in dissolving phlegm and relieving coughs
• Aids in conditions such as asthma, chronic coughs, bronchitis (or other conditions of the lungs)

Any precautions?

• The unprocessed and raw bulbs are toxic
• Pregnant woman should avoid this herb (as there is limited visibility and studies on the effects of fetuses)
• Limit exposure to children as well (for the same reason as above)
• Purchase from a reputable source

Resources

• http://www.answers.com/topic/fritillaria-2