Swallowwort Root Chinese Herb
Swallowwort Root (Bai Wei): A Cooling Herb for Deficient Heat, Fever, and Postpartum Recovery
Introduction
Swallowwort root, known as Bai Wei (白薇) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a cooling herb used to clear heat from deficiency, promote urination, and cool the blood without damaging yin. Gentle yet effective, Bai Wei is often used in postpartum care, low-grade fevers, and yin-deficient night sweats. It is especially valued when clearing heat in delicate or recovering individuals.
What Is Swallowwort Root?
Bai Wei is the root of the Cynanchum atratum plant, a species in the milkweed family. In TCM, it is classified as bitter, salty, and cold, and it enters the Stomach, Lung, and Kidney meridians.
Unlike many strongly cold herbs, Bai Wei clears heat without harming the body’s yin fluids, making it ideal for conditions like postpartum fever, summer heat with scanty urine, or chronic low fevers due to internal deficiency.
Health Benefits of Swallowwort Root
Clears Heat from Deficiency
Used for low-grade fevers, night sweats, postpartum fever, and heat from yin deficiency or recovery from illness.
Cools Blood and Promotes Healing
Effective in treating blood heat symptoms such as lingering fever, inflammation, or slow recovery from injury or childbirth.
Promotes Urination and Reduces Swelling
Used for painful or difficult urination due to damp-heat or summer heat conditions.
Supports Postpartum Recovery
Often included in gynecological formulas to clear residual heat and support recovery after childbirth or miscarriage.
Soothes Throat and Treats Lung Heat
Mildly useful in dry throat, cough, or sore throat due to yin deficiency or residual heat in the Lung.
How to Use Swallowwort Root
In Decoctions for Deficiency Fever or Postpartum Use
Use 3–9 grams in formulas with herbs like Sheng Di Huang, Huang Bai, or Dang Gui to clear heat and nourish blood.
In Fever-Relief or Recovery Teas
Combined with herbs like Mu Dan Pi or Zhi Mu for mild, ongoing fevers or night sweats.
In Women’s Health Formulas
Common in postpartum blends to dispel residual heat and aid uterine recovery.
In Urinary Tract Support Formulas
Used with herbs like Che Qian Zi or Fu Ling to clear damp-heat from the urinary tract.
Where to Buy Swallowwort Root
You can find Bai Wei at the following places:
- Traditional Chinese herbal medicine shops and apothecaries
- Online retailers like Mayway, iHerb, and Amazon
- TCM distributors specializing in gynecological and heat-clearing herbs
Look for:
- Thin, yellow-white root slices with a slightly bitter aroma
- Clean, sulfur-free, properly dried herbs
- Organic or third-party tested sources if possible
Are There Any Side Effects?
Swallowwort root is generally safe and well-tolerated, especially for individuals recovering from illness. It should not be used in cases of cold conditions, cold-type fevers, or excessive loose stools.
Pregnant individuals should only use Bai Wei under practitioner supervision, especially in early pregnancy.
Conclusion
Swallowwort root, or Bai Wei, is a cooling and nourishing herb that clears deficiency heat without injuring yin. Ideal for postpartum fever, low-grade lingering fevers, and urinary heat, it supports recovery and balance in vulnerable or depleted individuals. Its gentle action makes it a valuable ally in convalescence and gynecological care.
FAQs
Can I take Swallowwort root daily?
Yes, for short periods during postpartum or recovery—always under guidance from a trained TCM practitioner.
What does Swallowwort root taste like?
It has a slightly bitter, mildly salty taste, and is usually taken in decoction form.
Is Swallowwort root safe after childbirth?
Yes, it is one of the most trusted herbs for clearing heat and aiding recovery after delivery—used in many traditional postpartum formulas.