A Small Medicinal Pair for Mammary Nodules: Baizhi (Angelica dahurica) and Beimu (Fritillary Bulb)

Baizhi (Angelica dahurica root) and Beimu (fritillary bulb), taken in equal parts as a medicinal pair and prepared as a powder, are a classic remedy for mammary nodules. Each time, 3 g of the powder is taken, washed down with a decoction made from an appropriate amount of Lulutong (Rhapontici Radix, leopard plant root). This pair is also known as "Zhibei San" in the book Yixue Rumen (Introduction to Medicine). The Beimu used here is generally Tubelmu (Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma, paniculate bolbostemma) or Zhebeimu (Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus, Thunberg fritillary bulb), not Chuanbeimu (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus, Sichuan fritillary bulb). If the patient has not only mammary nodules but also distending pain in the breast, this powder may be combined with Haifu San (made of Ruxiang (Olibanum, frankincense) and Moyao (Myrrha) in equal parts), prepared as a powder and taken with a decoction of Lulutong.

Baizhi dispels wind, stops pain, reduces swelling and discharges pus; Beimu resolves phlegm and dissipates nodules. Used together, the two herbs reduce swelling, discharge pus, resolve phlegm and dissipate nodules. Lulutong (Rhaponticum uniflorum) is a commonly used herb for mammary nodules and for red, swollen, hot and painful breasts. TCM holds that Lulutong clears heat and detoxifies, dissipates abscesses and nodules, and promotes lactation and unblocks the channels. Therefore, taking Zhibei San with a decoction of Lulutong (dose 6–10 g) addresses both the root and the manifestation.

However, this formula is not suitable for breastfeeding women. If a breastfeeding woman develops mammary nodules, the cause may be acute mastitis; in that case, a strong decoction of Jinyinhua Teng (Lonicerae Japonicae Caulis, honeysuckle vine, 60 g) should be taken with yellow wine.

Baizhi and Beimu are also used as a medicinal pair in some compound formulas for treating mammary tumors.