北沙參 (Běi Shā Shēn / Glehnia Root) is a gentle and widely used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), especially known for nourishing Lung and Stomach Yin. It is sweet, slightly bitter, and slightly cold in nature.
 
🌿 Functions of Bei Sha Shen (Glehnia Root)
 
1. Nourishes Lung Yin and Moistens Dryness
• Treats dry cough, dry throat, chronic or post-illness cough, and hoarseness
• Especially useful in dry or Yin-deficient Lung patterns, often with little or no phlegm, or sticky phlegm that’s hard to expectorate
• Good for those exposed to dry environments, smokers, or long-term talkers (e.g. teachers)
 
2. Nourishes Stomach Yin and Generates Fluids
• Relieves thirst, dry mouth, dry tongue, and poor appetite due to Stomach Yin deficiency
• Common in post-illness recovery, chronic digestive weakness, or dry heat conditions
 
💡 Commonly Used For:
• Post-fever dry cough or throat
• Yin-deficiency dry cough
• Chronic respiratory issues with dryness
• Thirst, dry tongue, or constipation due to lack of fluids
• Postpartum, post-surgery, or post-illness recovery
 
📌 In Food Therapy:
• Can be boiled in soups with herbs like Mai Men Dong, Yu Zhu, Bai He, red dates, and lean pork or chicken to nourish Yin and moisten dryness.
• Often used in autumn to protect the Lung from seasonal dryness.
 
⚠️ Cautions:
• Avoid in cases of cold-type cough or excess phlegm
• Not suitable if there is dampness accumulation, poor digestion, or loose stools
 
Let me know if you’d like a tea or soup recipe using Bei Sha Shen 🌿