Pharmaceutical Name

Radix Platycodi

Botanical Name

Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC.

Common Name

Platycodon root, Balloonflower root

Source of Earliest Record

Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations

The Platycodon roots are dug in either spring or autumn, but the autumn roots are better quality. After the root bark has been removed, the roots are dried in the sun and cut into slices.

Properties & Taste

Bitter, pungent and neutral

Meridian

Lung

Functions

1. To promote the dispersing function of the lungs; 2. To resolve phlegm; 3. To expel pus

Indications & Combinations

1. Failure of lung qi to disperse due to invasion of exogenous pathogenic factors manifested as cough with profuse sputum or sputum that is difficult to expectorate, fullness and distension in the chest and hypochondriac region, sore throat and hoarse voice. Platycodon root (Jiegeng) is used with Apricot seed (Xingren), Perilla leaf (Zisuye) and Tangerine peel (Chenpi) for wind-cold cough. Platycodon root (Jiegeng) is used with Mulberry leaf (Sangye), Apricot seed (Xingren) and Trichosanthes fruit (Gualou) for wind-heat cough. Platycodon root (Jiegeng) is used with Scrophularia (Xuanshen), Licorice root (Gancao) and Arctium fruit (Niubangzi) for sore throat and hoarse voice. 2. Toxic heat accumulated in the lungs (lung abscess) manifested as cough with blood or pus, yellow and offensive smelling sputum and chest pain. Platycodon root (Jiegeng) is used with Houttuynia (Yuxingcao), Benincasa seed (Dongguaren) and Trichosanthes fruit (Gualou).

Dosage

3-10 g