Balloon Flower Root (Platycodon grandiflorum; Jie Geng) Granules 100 grams (3.5 oz): V

Functions: Ventilate and smooth the lungs Resolve phlegm Drain pus Guide qi to the chest Sooth cough Benefit throat Indication: Cough, various types of sore throat, tonsillitis, loss of voice, voice hoarseness. Platycodon is the principal herb in Chinese medicine for diseases of the lungs and throat, and is commonly used for inflammatory conditions of the eyes, ears, and sinuses. The herb has a strong expectorant and antitussive effects and is included in many cough formulas, usually in combination with licorice. The active components of platycodon "” saponins, sterols, and triterpenoids "” reduce inflammation and thin the sputum. It helps to treat skin swellings, including abscesses in the lungs and intestines. It also aids to soothe sore throats and relieve hoarseness. Platycodon is commonly added to formulas to direct the actions of the other herbs to the upper body. The dried roots can be found in any Korean grocery, as a soup base. In TCM it is valued in prescriptions for throat and lung ailments.