Welsh Onion Bulb — Classic Formulas

Cong Bai · Bulbus Allii Fistulosi

Primary Actions

  • Releases exterior and dispels Wind-Cold — mild exterior-releasing herb for early-stage wind-cold colds with chills, fever, headache, and nasal congestion; especially appropriate when there is no sweating
  • Invigorates Yang and disperses Cold — abdominal pain, cold limbs, and nausea from Cold accumulation in the Stomach and lower abdomen; Yi Yang Jiu Ni (revolve Yang to rescue counterflow)
  • Resolves toxicity and reduces swelling — mastitis, carbuncles, and abscesses; applied fresh topically

Classic Formulas

  • Cong Chi Tang (葱豉汤) — classical two-herb formula for mild Wind-Cold exterior pattern; Cong Bai combined with Dan Dou Chi (fermented black soybeans); induces mild sweating to release Wind-Cold; from Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang (Ge Hong); first-line folk remedy for early cold with runny nose and chills
  • Bai Tong Tang (白通汤) — classical formula for severe Yang deficiency with cold counterflow; Cong Bai combined with Fu Zi (processed aconite) and Gan Jiang (dry ginger); used in serious cold-collapse patterns requiring urgent Yang restoration

Classical Text References

  • Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing: lists Cong Shi (葱实, onion seeds) in the middle grade, with the stalk and white base noted for 'making the eyes bright, tonifying deficiency, and killing pestilential Qi' — Cong Bai (the white bulb base) is specifically valued for exterior-releasing properties in all subsequent materia medica
  • Ben Cao Gang Mu (Li Shizhen): 'Cong Bai (white green onion) releases the exterior, disperses wind-cold, opens the pores, and invigorates Yang — it is warm but gentle, appropriate for the weak patient who cannot tolerate stronger dispersing herbs; used fresh externally for swollen sores and mastitis'