Sang Bai Chuan Bei Xue Li Soup: Benefits, Recipe & TCM Insights

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

Sang Bai Chuan Bei Xue Li Soup (Mulberry Root Bark, Fritillaria, and Snow Pear Soup) is a classic medicinal dish with a long history, traditionally valued for its ability to help clear and soothe the respiratory system while supporting the body’s natural phlegm management. It is popularly known as “a nourishing soup for lung comfort.” This soup primarily uses three core ingredients: Sang Baipi (root bark of Morus alba, mulberry root bark), Chuan Beimu (bulb of Fritillaria cirrhosa, tendrilleaf fritillary bulb), and Xue Li (snow pear). It is supplemented with rock sugar or honey for balance. The soup is clear in color, sweet and slightly cool in taste, especially suitable for consumption during dry autumn and winter seasons or in haze weather. Sang Baipi is derived from the root bark of the mulberry tree. Chuan Beimu is the bulb of Fritillaria cirrhosa, a plant in the Liliaceae family. Snow pear is a seasonal fruit that helps moisten dryness in autumn. The perfect combination of these three ingredients integrates the balancing properties of traditional botanicals into everyday diet.

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dietetics, the Sang Bai Chuan Bei Xue Li Tang (Mulberry Root Bark, Sichuan Fritillary Bulb, and Snow Pear Decoction) is a representative formula combining “clearing and moisturizing” actions. It is neither overly cooling nor drying, and may help support the body’s natural heat balance within the respiratory system while nurturing moisture in the throat and stomach areas. Similar formulas have been recorded in classic medical texts throughout dynasties; for example, the *Compendium of Materia Medica* (Bencao Gangmu) includes a time-honored recipe using pear juice combined with Chuan Bei Mu (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus) to support respiratory comfort. In modern life, due to fast-paced lifestyles, high stress, air pollution, and spicy dietary habits, occasional throat discomfort and feelings of respiratory heat have become increasingly common. This traditional food is highly recommended for its accessible ingredients, simple preparation, and pleasant taste, making it a favorite nourishing soup for respiratory wellness on many family tables.

Efficacy of Medicinal Diet

The primary benefit of the Sang Bai Chuan Bei Xue Li Tang (Cortex Mori, Fritillaria Bulb, and Snow Pear Decoction) is to support lung comfort, help ease occasional phlegm, and promote a soothing sensation for the throat and breathing. Cortex Mori (Morus alba, White Mulberry Root-bark) is traditionally used to help maintain normal fluid balance and support respiratory heat management, assisting the body in clearing temporary discomfort. Fritillaria Bulb (Fritillaria cirrhosa, Sichuan Fritillary Bulb) is a well-known herb for supporting respiratory health, particularly useful for helping to ease dry or thick phlegm. Its alkaloid components may help maintain bronchial comfort and support normal respiratory function. Snow Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) is rich in natural compounds that help moisturize the throat, support lung moisture, and promote fluid balance. Synergistically, these three ingredients may provide significant support for occasional throat and respiratory discomfort associated with dryness or environmental changes.

In addition, this decoction also helps nourish moisture, soothe dryness, and support throat comfort. The pectin and moisture in Pyrus pyrifolia (snow pear) directly help maintain throat mucosal hydration, relieving sensations of dryness or irritation. The flavonoids in Morus alba (mulberry root bark) help support normal inflammatory responses and maintain respiratory mucosal comfort. The saponins in Fritillaria cirrhosa (Sichuan fritillary bulb) promote the body’s natural thinning and expulsion of phlegm. Modern nutritional research has confirmed that regular consumption of this decoction can help support respiratory immune function, reduce the likelihood of prolonged cough following a common cold, and is also highly beneficial for supporting overall throat and respiratory wellness.

Functions of Traditional Chinese Medicine

In the theoretical system of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the mechanism of action of Sang Bai Chuan Bei Xue Li Tang (Morus Root Bark-Fritillaria-Snow Pear Decoction) primarily revolves around supporting the functional relationship between the Lung (Fei) and the Large Intestine (Da Chang), which are interior-exteriorly paired. Mori Cortex (Sang Bai Pi, Morus alba root bark) is sweet in flavor and cool in nature, specifically enters the Lung Meridian (LU), and is traditionally used to help clear temporary heat and support normal fluid circulation. According to the *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica), it “supports the Lung, helps maintain normal bowel function, and promotes healthy qi flow,” precisely supporting the body’s natural balance of heat and moisture. Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus (Chuan Bei Mu, Fritillaria cirrhosa bulb) is bitter-sweet in flavor and slightly cool in nature, belonging to the Lung and Heart Meridians (LU, HT). Its functions are to help clear temporary heat, transform phlegm, moisten the Lung, and soothe cough. It is particularly effective for supporting individuals with occasional dry cough or scant sputum, as it is moisturizing without being drying. When combined with Mori Cortex, one helps clear while the other moisturizes, complementing each other perfectly.

Snow pear (Pyrus pyrifolia), a medicinal and edible fruit with a sweet and slightly sour taste and cool nature, enters the Lung and Stomach meridians. It possesses unique value in promoting fluid production, moistening dryness, and supporting overall respiratory comfort. When combined, these three ingredients form a complete support chain for “supporting respiratory heat balance—promoting normal phlegm consistency—moistening respiratory tissues.” From the perspective of ascending, descending, floating, and sinking, Morus alba root bark (Cortex Mori Radicis) primarily supports downward qi flow, Fritillaria cirrhosa bulb (Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae) mainly helps dissipate temporary congestion, and snow pear functions to moisten. The overall formula incorporates both upward and downward actions, as well as clearing and tonifying, thereby enabling lung qi to disperse and descend normally, supporting the body’s natural water passages so that temporary heat has no place to stagnate. It is especially suitable for individuals experiencing occasional respiratory dryness with scanty phlegm or sticky phlegm, dry and irritated throat, nasal dryness, and dry mouth.

Recommended Use

Morus and Fritillaria Snow Pear Decoction is best suited for long-term wellness support for the following groups: First, those in the later stage of temporary seasonal discomfort or during recovery from acute respiratory irritation, presenting with frequent coughing, thick yellow phlegm, red and sore throat, accompanied by mild warmth or thirst with a desire to drink. This decoction may help clear residual temporary imbalances and support respiratory mucosal repair. Second, those who use their voice extensively or have chronically fatigued throats, such as teachers, singers, live-streamers, and salespersons. Drinking a small bowl daily can help promote occupational throat comfort, including vocal cord and hoarseness support.

The third group comprises individuals living in dry environments or those heavily exposed to environmental particulates and secondhand smoke, including the elderly and children in heated northern winter rooms, as well as office workers in urban centers. This soup’s moisturizing properties may help support the body’s natural clearance of fine particles adhering to the respiratory tract, reducing oxidative stress. Additionally, individuals with occasional respiratory sensitivity in the stable phase may consume it in moderation alongside a balanced lifestyle to consolidate wellness benefits. For individuals with a dry-heat constitution experiencing recurrent oral discomfort or tender gums, this soup may also help support overall internal comfort and moisture balance.

Contraindicated Populations

Despite the gentle nature of the Sang Bai Chuan Bei Xue Li Geng (Mulberry Root Bark, Sichuan Fritillaria, and Pear Soup), caution is still required for certain individuals who should not take it blindly. First, those with Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold (pi wei xu han) and loose stools (da bian tang xie) should avoid it. Both Sang Bai Pi (Morus alba root bark) and Xue Li (Pyrus pyrifolia, pear) are cool in nature, and Chuan Bei Mu (Fritillaria cirrhosa bulb) is also slightly cool; combined, they may further affect normal digestive yang qi, aggravating symptoms such as abdominal distension, loose stools, and poor appetite. If such individuals truly need to take it, two slices of Sheng Jiang (Zingiber officinale, fresh ginger) or a small amount of Chen Pi (Citrus reticulata, tangerine peel) can be added to moderate its cool nature. Second, those in the early stage of Wind-Cold imbalance (feng han ke sou), presenting with a heavy cough, thin white phlegm, nasal congestion with clear discharge, sensitivity to cold, and absence of perspiration, should first use warming support methods. Mistakenly using cool nourishing foods may instead disrupt the body’s natural defensive response.

Individuals with allergic constitutions should also exercise caution. *Fritillaria cirrhosa* (Chuan Bei Mu) is a plant-based ingredient; a very small number of people may experience allergic reactions to it, such as skin rash, itching, or shortness of breath. If these occur, discontinue use immediately. Additionally, patients with diabetes should strictly control the amount of rock sugar or honey used during preparation, or choose sugar substitutes for seasoning, to avoid blood glucose fluctuations. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to consume under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Although the three ingredients in this formula are all categorized as medicinal and edible substances, the constitution during pregnancy is unique, and dietary choices should be based on individual needs. For children under five years of age, the digestive functions are not yet fully developed. When first consuming, start with a small amount and observe their digestion and absorption status.

Ingredient Formula Ratio

The standard recipe for the classic Sang Bai Chuan Bei Xue Li Tang (Mulberry Root Bark, Sichuan Fritillary Bulb, and Snow Pear Decoction) is as follows: Mori Cortex (dried decoction pieces) 10 g, Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus (powdered or whole) 5 g, fresh Snow Pear (Pyrus bretschneideri) 1 piece (approx. 200 g), rock sugar 15 g (or honey 10 ml), and water 800 ml. This is the daily dosage for one person; adjust proportionally if preparing for the whole family. For Mori Cortex, choose thick root bark with a white, powdery texture. For Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus, the Songbei (loose bulb) or Qingbei (green bulb) varieties are preferred, characterized by a clean white surface, uniform granules, and a white, floury cross-section. For the Snow Pear, select one with thin skin, fine flesh, abundant juice, and a small core, such as the Hebei “Ya” pear, Shandong “Laiyang” pear, or Xinjiang “Korla” fragrant pear.

When adjusting the ingredient ratios, modifications can be made flexibly according to individual constitution and wellness goals: if there is a need for more robust respiratory support, increase *Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus* (Chuan Bei Mu, Sichuan Fritillary Bulb) to 8 g and *Mori Cortex* (Sang Bai Pi, Mulberry Root Bark) to 12 g to enhance support for respiratory comfort; if dryness and throat irritation with hoarseness are more noticeable, additionally add *Ophiopogonis Radix* (Mai Dong, Dwarf Lilyturf Root) 6 g and *Scrophulariae Radix* (Xuan Shen, Figwort Root) 6 g to strengthen moisturizing support for the throat; if there is concomitant occasional fatigue with shortness of breath, combine *Pseudostellariae Radix* (Tai Zi Shen, Heterophylly Falsestarwort Root) 6 g and *Dioscoreae Rhizoma* (Shan Yao, Chinese Yam) 15 g to support energy and respiratory function. It is worth noting that *Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus* is relatively expensive; you may ask the pharmacy to grind it into a coarse powder and wrap it in a gauze bag during decoction, which facilitates the extraction of beneficial constituents and prevents the herbal residue from mixing into the decoction and affecting the taste.

Cooking method

**Step 1: Prepare the ingredients.** Quickly rinse the **Sang Baipi (Morus alba root bark)** under clean water once to remove surface dust, then soak it in clean water for 15 minutes to fully soften. If **Chuan Beimu (Fritillaria cirrhosa bulb)** is whole, gently crush it into coarse granules using a mortar and pestle, or press it with the back of a knife – avoid grinding into a fine powder to prevent scorching during decoction. Peel the **snow pear**, remove the top and bottom, cut it lengthwise into four quarters, core it, then dice into pieces about 2 cm per side – the pieces should not be too large to allow full extraction of beneficial compounds.

Step 2: Decoction. Place a clay pot or stainless steel pot on the stove, and pour the pre-soaked Mori Cortex (Sang Bai Pi) together with the soaking water into the pot. Add additional clean water to reach a total volume of 800 ml. Cover the pot, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer gently for 25 minutes. When the decoction turns a light yellow color and emits the characteristic fragrant aroma of mulberry root bark, strain out the herb residue using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, retaining only the clear liquid. Return the liquid to the rinsed pot, add the coarse granules of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus (Chuan Bei Mu) and the snow pear chunks, and bring to a boil again over high heat.

Step 3: Simmering and Seasoning. Once the soup comes to a boil, reduce to low heat and continue simmering for 20 minutes. At this point, the snow pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) chunks should become translucent and soft, with the beneficial constituents of Chuanbei (Fritillaria cirrhosa, Sichuan fritillary bulb) fully infused into the broth. Finally, add rock sugar, stirring until completely dissolved, and cook for an additional 2 minutes before turning off the heat. If using honey for seasoning, wait until the soup has cooled below 60°C (140°F) before adding, to avoid high temperatures destroying the active enzymes in the honey. Ladle the prepared soup into a bowl, remove the Chuanbei residue (or extract the gauze bag if used), and drink while warm. The snow pear chunks can also be eaten together, offering a soft, smooth, and sweet texture.

Drinking Tips

First, the timing of consumption is important. It is recommended to take Sangbai Chuanbei Xueli Decoction (Mori Cortex, Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus, and Snow Pear Decoction) warm, one to two hours after meals. At this time, the food in the stomach has been partially digested, so the decoction will not increase digestive load and allows for full absorption of the beneficial compounds. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach, as both Mori Cortex (Sangbaipi) and Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus (Chuanbeimu) possess a certain cool nature, which may be more noticeable on an empty stomach. Take once daily, with a course of 3 to 5 consecutive days. Discontinue once desired comfort is achieved. Do not take continuously for more than two weeks.

Second, after taking the decoction, one should avoid drafts and keep warm. This formula primarily supports respiratory heat balance. After consumption, the body’s surface defenses may be slightly more open. During this time, exposure to cold drafts should be avoided, especially refraining from immediately entering air-conditioned rooms or consuming raw and cold foods, so as to prevent external factors from disturbing the body’s balance and potentially triggering recurrent coughing. It is recommended to sit quietly and rest for 15 minutes after drinking. This can be combined with gentle tapping on the back (over the Feishu [BL13] acupoint area) to help support natural respiratory comfort.

Third, adjust the taste individually. If the slight bitterness of *Morus alba* root bark (Sangbaipi) in the decoction is too noticeable, add one honeyed jujube or a few *Lycium barbarum* fruits (goji berries) to cook together. This enhances the sweet flavor without affecting the overall benefits of the nourishing soup. For children, the amount of rock sugar may be appropriately increased to 20 grams, or half a peeled and sectioned sugarcane stalk can be added to the soup to enhance the natural sweetness and improve acceptance. However, caution is needed: for infants under three years of age, the snow pear (*Pyrus pyrifolia*) pieces should be mashed into a puree, and ensure that the *Fritillaria cirrhosa* bulb (Chuanbeimu) residue is completely filtered out to prevent choking.