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.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. 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 health care professional.

• Allergies, common cold, congestion (stuffy nose), dizziness, elimination of toxins, excess tearing, hay fever, headache (sinus), inflammation, itchy eyes, rhinitis (runny or stuffy nose), runny nose, sinusitis, sneezing, sore throat.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

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.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for Bi Yan Pian in children.

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.

Allergies

• Avoid with known allergy or sensitivity to Bi Yan Pian, any member of the Asteraceae or Compositae (daisy) family, or any other part of the formula: 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).

Side Effects and Warnings

• Bi Yan Pian is considered safe when taken by mouth for a short term under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

• Avoid with known allergy or sensitivity to Bi Yan Pian, any member of the Asteraceae or Compositae (daisy) family, or any other part of the formula: 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).

• Bi Yan Pian may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in people with bleeding disorders or those taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

• Bi Yan Pian may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in people with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

• Use cautiously in people who have high blood pressure.

• Use cautiously in people who have blood disorders, hypokalemia (low potassium levels), kidney disease, liver disorders, Parkinson's disease, peptic ulcers, thyroid disease, urinary incontinence (leaky bladder), or tuberculosis.

• Use cautiously in people who are using diuretics (agents that promote urination), hormonal therapies, or potassium-lowering agents.

• Avoid in people who have inflammation of the biliary ducts or stomach.

• Avoid in people who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Avoid use within two weeks of taking MAOIs.

• Avoid in children and in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to a lack of safety data.

• Bi Yan Pian may cause drowsiness.

• Bi Yan Pian used chronically may cause dryness, rashes, and skin bumps.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Avoid using if pregnant or breastfeeding. There is currently a lack of scientific evidence on the use of Bi Yan Pian during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. 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.

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.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Bi Yan Pian may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

• Bi Yan Pian may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking herbs or supplements that lower blood pressure.

• Bi Yan Pian may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements.

• Bi Yan Pian may react with antidepressants, diuretics (agents that promote urination), honey, hormonal herbs and supplements, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), potassium, and potassium-depleting herbs and supplements.

Author Information

• 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).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

1. 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. View Abstract