Xie Bai (Allium macrostemon) — Dried Food-Herb Bulb, Also Known as Xiao Gen Suan

Xie Bai (Allium macrostemon), also known as Xiao Gen Suan (小根蒜) or Chinese Garlic, is the dried bulb of a traditional food herb known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Xiè Bái (薤白). For centuries, Xie Bai has been prized as a warming, qi-moving herb used to open the chest, disperse stagnation, and support the free flow of yang qi. Its nature is pungent, bitter, and warm, making it a gently stimulating herb traditionally associated with the Lung, Heart, and Stomach channels.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional food herb used to open the chest and move qi
• Dried Allium macrostemon bulbs, naturally sun-dried
• Also known as Xiao Gen Suan (小根蒜)
• Suitable for decoction, congee, and culinary use
• Custom grinding service available on request

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is naturally sun-dried to preserve its pale yellowish-white color, firm texture, and characteristic pungent, garlic-like aroma. When decocted, the bulbs soften and release a warm, mildly spicy flavor with a subtle sweetness, lending depth to both medicinal decoctions and savory broths.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Traditional herbal decoction
• Congee and grain porridge
• Savory soup and broth
• Culinary seasoning in stir-fries
• Custom-ground herbal powder

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Xie Bai is decocted alone or with other herbs to support chest comfort and the smooth movement of qi. It is a classic ingredient in traditional formulas paired with ingredients like trichosanthes and pinellia. In daily life, it is also cooked into congee, added to soups, or pickled as a pungent culinary herb, reflecting its long-standing role as both food and medicine.

FAQ Q&A