Bi yan pian

Related Terms

Bi yan pian plum flower, biyan pian, Breathe Easy?, nasal inflammation tablets.
Bi Yan Pian product: Xanthium sibiricum fruit (cang er zi), Magnolia denudata flower (xin yi hua), Forsythia suspensa fruit (lian qiao), Ledebouriella divaricata root (fang feng), Angelica dahurica root (bai zhi), Anemarrhena asphodeloides rhizome (zhi mu), Glycyrrhiza uralensis root (gan cao), Schizonepeta tenuifolia herb (jing jie), Chrysanthemum indicum flower (ye ju hua), Schisandra chinensis fruit, and Platycodon grandiflorum root (jie geng).
Breathe Easy? herbal tea preparation: Breathe Easy?(containing licorice root 300mg, eucalyptus leaf 285mg, bitter fennel fruit 255mg, Bi Yan Pian dry aqueous extract (8:1) 120mg, along with a proprietary blend (540mg) of peppermint leaf, calendula flower, pleurisy root, ginger rhizome, and sometimes honey).

Background

Bi Yan Pian is a traditional Chinese herbal formula, extracted in pure water and then dried into granules. The product is made from a mixture of cocklebur fruit, vulan magnolia flower, weeping forsythia fruit, fang feng root, Anemarrhena asphodeloides rhizome, Chinese licorice root, Japanese catnip herb, Chrysanthemum indicum flower, five-flavor berry fruit, and Chinese bellflower root.
Bi Yan Pian translates from Chinese as "nasal inflammation tablets." It is a combination formula of Chinese herbs that is used for stuffy or runny nose, sinus inflammation, and allergies. Some sources say that Bi Yan Pian is effective for symptoms caused by the common cold or flu.
According to some sources, Bi Yan Pian has a bitter taste and may cause dryness if used long-term.
More studies are needed before conclusions can be made on the effectiveness of Bi Yan Pian for any condition.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Doses are based on traditional health practices and expert opinions. There is a lack of reliable studies in humans that show the safety and effectiveness of Bi Yan Pian.
General: A dose of 3-4 tablets of Bi Yan Pian has been taken by mouth three times daily with warm water after meals, and it may increase to five tablets every three hours for up to a few months.
One cup of Breathe Easy? (containing licorice root 300mg, eucalyptus leaf 285mg, bitter fennel fruit 255mg, and Bi Yan Pian dry aqueous extract (8:1) 120mg, along with a proprietary blend (540mg) of peppermint leaf, calendula flower, pleurisy root, ginger rhizome, and sometimes honey) has been taken by mouth three times daily. The tea may be prepared by pouring eight ounces of boiled water over the tea bag, covering the cup, and steeping 10-15 minutes before gently squeezing the bag.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Bi Yan Pian may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Bi Yan Pian may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Bi Yan Pian may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Bi Yan Pian may interact with antidepressants, diuretics (agents that promote urination), hormonal agents, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), potassium salts, and potassium-depleting agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Mather J, Knowles SR, Shapiro L, et al. Skin eruption following the use of two Chinese herbal preparations: a case report. Can J Clin Pharmacol 2002;9(2):69-71.